03 February 2013
02 February 2013
Hearing God in a Purple Tunic (Vieux Farka Toure at Royce Hall)
I heard god last night and he was black, bald and wearing a purple tunic.
Considering the situation in Mali at the moment, I should probably leave god out of it but there is no other way to express the transcendence of the music I heard last night. They don't call Vieux Farka Toure "the Hendrix of the Sahara" for nothing. While he doesn't exactly sound like Hendrix, his mastery of the guitar certainly would rival Jimi. Hearing Vieux for the first time last night at Royce Hall was an experience I will remember forever, probably the same way people felt about seeing Hendrix in Monterey. All I can really say is that his playing defies description and was a magical experience. Of an equal surprise was the percussion of Tim Keiper. Seeing this red-headed boy play the calabash as he did and later a more traditional drum kit was mesmerizing. I can't recall ever being so entranced with a drummer. You could see the communication between him and Vieux and the audience was helpless but to hang on for the ride. It was an incredible evening. And a powerful reminder of the rich and beautiful gifts that come from Mali. They need our help and support as much as we need them. Viva Mali! Viva Vieux!
And for a bonus treat, check out the United Voices for Mali:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-54hp2ytmI
Considering the situation in Mali at the moment, I should probably leave god out of it but there is no other way to express the transcendence of the music I heard last night. They don't call Vieux Farka Toure "the Hendrix of the Sahara" for nothing. While he doesn't exactly sound like Hendrix, his mastery of the guitar certainly would rival Jimi. Hearing Vieux for the first time last night at Royce Hall was an experience I will remember forever, probably the same way people felt about seeing Hendrix in Monterey. All I can really say is that his playing defies description and was a magical experience. Of an equal surprise was the percussion of Tim Keiper. Seeing this red-headed boy play the calabash as he did and later a more traditional drum kit was mesmerizing. I can't recall ever being so entranced with a drummer. You could see the communication between him and Vieux and the audience was helpless but to hang on for the ride. It was an incredible evening. And a powerful reminder of the rich and beautiful gifts that come from Mali. They need our help and support as much as we need them. Viva Mali! Viva Vieux!
And for a bonus treat, check out the United Voices for Mali:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-54hp2ytmI
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