Tinariwen, of the Toureg.

[tabatha]

I have recently added the fascinating music of the Tinariwen to my music repertoire, and their history is interesting and relevant. The Toureg area is near Algeria.

This is both political and musical - just a fascinating 17 minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOu4fdlPiWI


Music of Resistance - Tinariwen - 10 Feb 09 - Parts 1 & 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MHAKNL-Vkg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8DlnTVzHx0


And then on to soccer - they played at the world cup opening concert.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkO7vBMIlUI

[On the Road]

1. Wow -- That is Amazing

I love the Sahara, but I really thought this was going to be unlistenable North African music. The first clip mentions the relationship of the music to the blues, and you can really hear it on '63.' The guitar playing is very interesting in the fingering and note selection.

[tabatha]

2. Glad it was interesting to someone.

I first came across this group in the video below - I think it is probably the best, and it includes musicians from other countries, including the Vusi Mahlasela from South Africa:

http://playingforchange.com/episodes/37/Imidiwan_Afrik_Tendam

I like the Israeli singer, Tal Ben Ari "Tula", too, in this performance.