Ali

by Vieux Farka Toure, Khruangbin

Overview

Vieux Farka Toure's collaboration with stylistically fluid Texan trio Khruangbin is a set of interpretations of songs by the Malian guitarist's father, the legendary Ali Farka Toure. Ali's children chose the songs for the musicians to perform, and Vieux directed the group, trusting them to go with their instincts, as they hadn't played the compositions before. The results are far from by-the-numbers readings, with the artists reshaping the material to fit their own sensibilities. Picking up on the reggae vibes of "Savanne," Khruangbin add a cavernous dub rhythm and glowing keyboards, letting the song glide smoothly, but not too softly. All of the elements seem to gel during "Diarabi," which has a similarly wet echo and shades of melodica, as well as entrancing backup vocals. "Tongo Barra" switches the tempo up to a funky strut, adding shuffling beats to rhythmic guitars and spirited vocal chants. "Tamalla" begins as a laid-back call-and-response, then kicks into a boisterous party rhythm later on, with hard group claps placed every two bars. "Mahine Me" is a brief but hypnotic zydeco-inspired accordion workout. The energy cools down on the shimmering crawl "Ali Hala Abada," and the mainly instrumental "Alakarra" feels like music for the closing credits of a film or series rather than a proper song. The two acts fit each other like a glove, as both of them are clearly open to incorporating a multitude of influences without sounding like they're stretching too far outside their comfort zones. The album's production is warm, spacious, and full of depth, but not in an overwhelming way. Ali is casual-sounding yet inspired, and a tremendously inviting listen. ~ Paul Simpson

Product Details

Release Date:	09/23/2022
Label:	Dead Oceans
UPC:	0656605157412
Rank:	4490

Tracks

1. Savanne
2. Lobbo
3. Diarabi
4. Tongo Barra
5. Tamalla
6. Mahine Me
7. Ali Hala Abada
8. Alakarra

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Vieux Farka Toure   Primary Artist,Guitar,Voices
Khruangbin   Primary Artist,Voices,Percussion
Ruben Moreno   Accordion
Donald Johnson, Jr.   Drums,Voices,Washboard,Percussion
Mark Speer   Organ,Congas,Guitar,Voices,Synthesizer
Laura Lee Ochoa   Bass,Voices,Percussion

Technical Credits

Ali Farka Toure   Composer
Rob Williamson   Portrait Photography
Eric Herman   Associate Producer
Vieux Farka Toure   Group Member
Chris Longwood   Mastering
Donald Johnson, Jr.   Group Member
Mark Speer   Group Member
Khruangbin   Arranger,Producer
Steve Christensen   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
Laura Lee Ochoa   Group Member
Kiss Diouara   Portrait Photography
Nick Scott   Design
Abdoulaye Konate   Cover Art
Bourelma Toure   Arranger
Donovan Smallwood   Portrait Photography
Marcus J. Moore   Liner Notes
Riot Muse   Portrait Photography