Mali guitar desert blues delicacy

Vieux? This is of course the still young son of Ali Farka Touré. Born in 1981, trained as percussionist, schooled by Toumani Diabaté but also unequivocally the guitarist who - in the best of family traditions - is able to keep bringing us Desert Blues, that unique mix of West Africa and North America (that also appealed to Ry Cooder or often reminds one of the more easygoing Jimi Hendrix.) While we're at it: you'll surely know Vieux Farka Touré otherwise from the World Cup Football in South Africa where he was one of the notable stars. His third CD is now finished too: 'The Secret' (released by Coast To Coast), including the collaboration of Dave Matthews (with whom Vieux also occasionally plays these days), plus jazz-guitar god John Scofield, plus a studio stunt with father Ali even!

Tamikrest is a brilliant Touareg collective (and you may also be reminded of Tinariwen.) Their second CD 'Toumastin' is out now, again on the very respectable Glitterhouse label and again recorded by Chris - Walkabouts - Eckman. De Standaard wrote of it: '... stunning pieces of desert blues with all the typical elements: call & response singing, chattering percussion and repetitive guitar, bizarre wah-wah-effects and lyrics about desert flowers.' Recently in Britain's Mojo mag too: '4* Watch out Tinariwen, some new kids want your oasis!' Exciting!