Ali Farka Toure – “Red & Green”
Nonesuch, 1984/1988

Reissue of two brilliant early albums by the Malian guitar master, who was already in his 40s at the time. Toure’s playing, which combines the traditional feel of West Africa with a back-porch blues sense that draws frequent comparison to John Lee Hooker, is fine throughout.

The “Red” album is all duos with Hammer Sankare on calabash & backing vox. The “Green” album features a 2nd guitar on tracks 5-8, with Sankare back for the other half. The tracks are all very similar: snakily circular rhythms, plain, slightly raw male vocals, and gorgeous guitar. Lyrical content a mix of love songs and socially conscious messages.

DISC 1 (Red)

1. 5:37 – loping midtempo, hypnotic
2. 6:33 – very bluesy, more upbeat
3. 4:39 – uptempo, train-like rhythms
4. 5:44 – lilting rhythm, nice duo vox
5. 5:32 – pure blues, African style
6. 7:13 – relaxed, tricky melody & beat
7. 4:39 – midtempo, nice percussion
8. 3:42 – strong vocal duet, steady beat

DISC 2 (Green)

1. 3:49 – swaying rhythm, rough vocal
2. 4:25 – cool vox, insistent rhythm
3. 6:02 – quick tempo, good duo vox
4. 4:01 – some very fine pickin’
5. 7:43 – light dance/work rhythm
6. 8:55 – cool vocals, pretty guitar, long!
7. 4:52 – solid rhythm, very masculine
8. 5:21 – this one has the desert touch

[Fo] - 7/1/05