BBC - Awards for World Music 2008

VIEUX FARKA TOURE (Mali)

Vieux Farka Toure album cover

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In May 2006, towards the end of an exuberant UK debut at the Queen Elizabeth Hall by Toumani Diabate and Symmetric Orchestra, the leader introduced a former member of both his band and the classes he gives at the Institut National des Arts in Bamako: 'He's more dangerous than Ali Farka Toure!' was the way he described the son of the famed Malian guitarist, who had died two months earlier. And so the British public got its first glimpse of Vieux Farka Toure, who bounded onstage briefly in a long flowing boubou, then left without playing a note.

He's been back with a guitar and his own band several times since, released his eponymous debut album and a remixed version of it, recorded the soundtrack to a Julia Roberts film with Ry Cooder as well as contributing to an album of U2 covers, and spent a fair amount of time patiently fielding the obvious don't-you-get-sick-of-being-compared-to-your-dad? questions from the press.

But less than half a decade into his career as a serious musician, it's a bit much to expect Vieux to have either the vocal charisma or the guitar technique of Ali. Vieux Farka Toure (Modiba Productions, 2006) instead presents a promising songwriter who shows considerable skill as a guitarist and percussionist, a certain shyness as a singer (several of the lead vocals are by Sekou Touré, although Vieux does them all on tour) a facility for collaboration, an appreciation of tradition, and a willingness to experiment. Looks like he's a pretty good hustler and networker as well!

Although initially discouraged from a career in music by his father, who knew what a tough business it was from bitter experience, Vieux eventually couldn't stop himself from answering the call and was encouraged by Toumani.

And because Toumani had the ear of Ali, the old man eventually threw his weight behind Vieux's decision. Vieux started touring in 2004 and appeared on Ali's last album Savane (2006) as well as making just one joint recording session with him for his own album. Vieux says there is one more piece from this, which should appear on his next. The training wheels should be well and truly off by then.

Jon Lusk

www.vieuxfarkatoure.com
www.worldvillagemusic.com
CD Review on BBC Music

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Andy Hanson, Aspen Colorado, USA
We brought Vieux Farka Toure to Aspen this fall and he was a huge hit in this mountain town. It is clear that he is equal to if not more important than his father, Ali Farka Toure. His playing is so much fun to listen to.

Norma Tenbury wells
I love this music, I loved his Fathers, but this has a liveliness that makes me feel like dancing , lovely guitar.x

kasah
you rock but whats your genre and language?

molly
hey does any one know which language veiux preforms in