0352. Ali Farka Touré With Ry Cooder
Talking Timbuktu

Ali Farka Touré wasn't born into the musicianship, the way tradition dictated, but instead was drawn into it, going against his military family and proving the nickname Farka ("Donkey," implying stubbornness) they'd given him wasn't just for show. After playing the circuit for a couple of decades his music entered into the Western niche called World Music, which led to that on this twelfth (or so) release, Talking Timbuktu, he collaborated with U.S. blues man Ry Cooder, and we can hear Ali sing in eleven different languages over ten tracks of desert blues (and yet again I hardly understand a word).

One great feature is that Cooder never really tries to take over (not that I think Touré would have let him), i.e. you don't really notice he's playing along until you listen for his guitar. One of the few places his influence is notable is in the nine minute blues Amandrai where he's in the lead, but still part of the collaboration.

A nice example of musicians meeting on equal ground and creating something if not unique at least damn special.