Samba Toure - 'Touri Idje Bibi' / Atri N'Assouf - 'Medan'

'WORLD MUSIC' CORNER

Samba Toure - 'Touri Idje Bibi' (2015)

I'm perhaps even more excited than when I looked out the window this morning to be welcomed by the season's first of the snow, 'darn sarf' anyway. The pathetic dusting will no doubt have caused panic as our news channels will inevitability be clogged up with reports of travel chaos in Surrey, unlikely given the amount of 4x4's. More excited because of the release of Samba Toure's latest album, Gandadiko (burning land), out last week. He's probably my favourite African artist, just from the brilliantly sombre Albala (2013), recorded in the back drop of the war in Mali. This album on first hearing is a lot more diverse than his last offering and a little more joyful, particularly on the single 'Touri Idje Bibi' (black fruit). It's still darker in places, losing none of his own brand of Desert Blues as the guitar playing is immaculate. I'm off the watch the news reports of the 'Surrey Snow Bomb' with the sound down.

Warning, I don't recommend the video if you are feeling woozy or a bit sea sick.

Listen to Samba Toure Gandadiko on Spotify here.

Samba Toure on Glitterbeat records and official site.

Atri N'Assouf - 'Medan' (2011)

Speaking of immaculate guitar playing, then you must check out Niger's Atri N'Assouf. 'Medan', is one of the standout tracks from their 2011 album, Akal, proving there's far more on offer on the Desert Blues circuit. Some members of Tinariwen helped out on the album but it doesn't detract from the fact that band member Rissa, is a talented guitarist with his own distinct sound. Hear for yourself below.

Atri N'assouf Akal on Spotify

Snow flurries making your nose run? Get some desert wind in your face with TuneDr's Desert Blues Vol.1. or

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