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Reviews > CDs

CDs / Shows

Published: 2011/07/20

by Ely Delman

Vieux Farka Toure: The Secret

Six Degrees

Produced by Eric Krasno of Soulive, Vieux Farka Touré’s third solo album is both an attempt to join the mainstream and a melancholy search for meaning. The Middle Eastern rhythm of “Ali,” combined with Malian chants and Touré’s sitar-like droning, creates a sad, ambulatory space. Appearances by Derek Trucks, Dave Matthews, John Scofield and Krasno himself enhance the most remarkable elements of Touré’s guitar playing: how nearly indistinguishable West African guitar traditions and the blues are. The most heartfelt moment comes in “The Secret,” the last collaboration between Touré and his father, the great Ali Farka Touré. Anticipating each other’s thoughts, searching for the same answer, this is father and son—and listener—communicating on a deep level. This is a must-hear album.

Comments

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WhatIsThisNonsense November 19, 2012, 00:33:27

None of the artists who make guest appearances on this album are “mainstream” artists. Nearly every sentence in this review is grammatically incorrect. Really, Relix? That’s pretty lazy. Even beyond the writer, the editors should be ashamed. And how would you define “Middle Eastern rhythm(s),” buddy? I know how I would: additive, versus divisive. But neither of these terms seems to apply here. And you probably don’t know what they mean, do you? Also, sitars are melodic instruments. Not drone instruments. You were probably thinking of the tamboura. Which doesn’t sound anything like what you’re describing.