In March 2005 guitarist, singer and composer Ali Farka Touré died of bone cancer at the age of 66. With this, Mali lost a well-respected celebrity, an idiosyncratic musician who in 1990 exchanged a successful international career for a quiet life as a farmer in his familiar homeland. Producers had to come to Niafunké afterwards. Recordings in this relaxed atmosphere resulted in albums with beautiful
… authentic music. The studio album Savane has become the swan song of this 'king of the desert blues singers'. Never before has Touré collaborated so intensely on an album, in order to preserve ancient traditional songs and dances for future generations just before his death. He did not even hesitate to reveal spiritual music from the mysterious Gimbala voodoo cult. The traditional playing on the ngoni (lute), njarka (one-string violin), guitar and gourd is subtly complemented with improvisations on harmonica (Little George Sueref) and saxophone (Pee Wee Ellis), which enhances the bluesy atmosphere. The question and answer vocals and the repeating melodies and rhythms have a hypnotic effect and bring the listener into higher spheres. Touré's testament contains many wise words, beautiful stories and beautiful music from the rich Malian heritage. (SvdP) beautiful stories and beautiful music from the rich Malian heritage. (SvdP) beautiful stories and beautiful music from the rich Malian heritage. (SvdP)more
