Story & Photos by Phil Onofrio - Phil Onofrio Photography, Copyright 2010
Vieux Farka Toure', the Malian singer and guitarist was born in 1981 to Ali Farka Toure'. He is the heir apparent to his father's talent -- adding to it his own style -- a more contemporary spin on desert blues. Toure' has in interviews said he was also inspired by Salif Keita of Mali, as well as state-side bluesmen John Lee Hooker and B. B. King. Further, his music touches on elements of rock and reggae. With his first CD release and his current release, Fondo (The Road), he was receptive to having DJ re-mixes created after the original tracks were released, something virtually unheard of with Malian music, and thus adding another dimension to his music.
Toure' gave back to back performances on April 15 and April 16, 20010 at Martyrs and The Carrothers Center for Inner City Studies - presented by Portoluz. In both cases, the crowds engaged with the music -- and as is so typical of Toure' -- once the connection is made, he does not let go. On both nights, the smile on his face let everyone know he was having as much fun as they were!
It is difficult to do justice in describing his music. Rather than do that, I would suggest going to Vieux's website to sample some of his tracks and videos: www.vieuxfarkatoure.com
I would encourage you see a live performance, if we are lucky enough to have an August 2010 tour date in Chicago.
|
