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The late Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré was among Africa's most internationally renowned musicians. Listening to him, it was easy to draw the connection between the blues and its West African roots. If he was the bridge between two traditional forms, then it is only fitting that his contemporary counterpart is his son, Vieux Farka Touré. One of world music's rising stars, Touré will be performing on Monday night at the Rock and Roll Hotel, playing what he describes as "the new reality of African music."
"For me, it's pretty straight forward," Touré told DCist, speaking in French through a translator. "My music is based in the Malian tradition I was raised with. But I’ve been traveling a lot, so I take the basis and lay over top of it what I learned from these cultures. It all gets mixed up into its own sauce."
Touré is touring in support of his latest musical brew, Fondo, a joyous collection of songs that draw as much from Cream-era Clapton and and dub as they do from tradition. The result is a truly international sound, one that can only come from an open minded artist who draws from disparate influences while maintaining a healthy respect for each source.
"I really wanted to create a music that was my very own and I wanted to leave that imprint with this album," he said.
Touré's sound retains the infectious rhythms and rich vocals associated with his native music. But there is the added element of extended improvisation, so it is unsurprising that he is making waves on the jam band circuit.
Describing the transition from studio to stage, Touré said, "The music has to evolve on stage. The music on the album is the envelope, what you do in concert is the surprise in the envelope."
On this tour, Touré has also taken to inviting local musicians to sit in with the band at concerts. Monday's show will feature J.Tom Hnatow from These United States, along with Mike Pahn and Burleigh Seaver from Shortstack.
"Part of the fun of having guests is that they bring something new each time," Touré explained. "Everybody brings something new to the table and that’s a constant evolution."
But Touré, who is not that familiar with the District, has one person in mind that he would really like to see at Monday's show.
"I don't know too much other than the Capitol, so I expect my brother Obama at the show," he quipped.
Vieux Farka Touré will perform on Monday, June 22, at the Rock and Roll Hotel along with opening acts Elikeh and Farafina Kan. 8:30 p.m. $15
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Only 1 song uses reggae dub, and while the website mention the Clapton era-Cream influence I'm not sure that I hear that (although you seem to as well).