Talking Timbuktu :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review
Talking Timbuktu is a groundbreaking record that vividly illustrates the Africa-Blues connection in real time. Ali Farka Toure, one of Mali's leading singer-guitarists, has a trance-like, bluesy style that, although deeply rooted in Malian tradition, bears astonishing similarity to that of John Lee Hooker or even Canned Heat. It's a mono-chordal vamp, with repetitive song lines cut with shards of blistering solo runs that shimmer like a desert mirage. Toure may be conversant with some blues artists, but it is unlikely that artists like Hooker or Robert Pete Williams ever heard these Malian roots, which makes the connection so uncanny. Ry Cooder, well versed in domestic and world guitar styles, is the perfect counterpoint in these extended songs/jams, his sinewy slide guitar intertwining with his partner's in a super world summit without barriers or borders. --Derek Rath
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Customer Reviews

Best of two worlds

2007-09-03
I bought this CD because of Ry Cooder. I've loved his music since first hearing on the soundtrack for "Paris Texas." I'm also very much into indigenous and ethnic music and am happy to have discovered Ali Farka Toure in this CD. Sometimes slow, sensual, hypnotic, and bluesy like the songs Amandria (my favorite) and Ai Du, and sometimes more rhythmic with a strong beat that you want to get up and dance to, the music on this CD grabs you every which way. Ali Farka Toure's rich voice also adds another dimension to the quality of this CD, on top of the music itself. And every song is top notch. It's rare for me to like every song on a CD, but I love every song. It doesn't disappoint on any level.

This is the blues Dream Team

2007-07-20
"Talking Timbuktu" is one of those CDs where you have an aha moment. Oh yes, you have heard this music before and yet, not quite. Ry Cooder and Ali Farka Toure play beautifully together and truly bring the Mali's music straight to us. This is an extremely listenable CD and well worth the price.

Cool music

2007-05-13
This is really good music. A combination of blues, African, something I cannot put a description to. Each person has to experience this to see what it means to him (her).

AFT at his best

2007-04-03
As usual, this is another spectacular disc, only made better by the addition of Ry Cooder.

Fabulous Music

2007-03-26
This CD is just fabulous and everyone who hears it wants a copy. Very sophisticated yet original music,
soothing and exciting sound.

Gorgeous, happy, relaxed music.

2007-03-25
Talking Timbuktu is a groundbreaking record that vividly illustrates the Africa-Blues connection in real time. Ali Farka Toure, one of Mali's leading singer-guitarists, has a trance-like, bluesy style that, although deeply rooted in Malian tradition, bears astonishing similarity to that of John Lee Hooker or even Canned Heat. It's a mono-chordal vamp, with repetitive song lines cut with shards of blistering solo runs that shimmer like a desert mirage. Toure may be conversant with some blues artists, but it is unlikely that artists like Hooker or Robert Pete Williams ever heard these Malian roots, which makes the connection so uncanny. Ry Cooder, well versed in domestic and world guitar styles, is the perfect counterpoint in these extended songs/jams, his sinewy slide guitar intertwining with his partner's in a super world summit without barriers or borders. --Derek Rath

Wonderful music

2007-03-22
I enjoy African music and love this CD. One of the songs on this CD is very famous. It's called "Ai Du" from the movie "Unfaithful".

African blues

2007-03-12
It's eerily amazing how musicians continents away can produce similar music. Many of the songs have long preludes before the vocals come in and I found myself almost wanting the cd to be instrumental, the rhythm is so awesome. Ry Cooder meshes well with Ali Toure and his ensemble being sure not to overpower the traditional tune, but nevertheless his sound is not lost in the mix. I bought the CD for Ai Du featured in movie Unfaithful but ended up liking many others with that similar groove. This cd is a risk for listeners not open to stretching their concept of the blues due to it's repetitious Malian vocals. In my opinion it's a risk worth taking.

dragonfly

2007-03-09
I love this cd. It is rich and sensual. I first heard part of it on the film "Unfaithful." I will definitely be buying more of this artist.

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Toure

2007-02-19
Glad I bought this CD. It was my first exposure to Ali Farka Toure, but my experience with Ry gave me the confidence to explore new ground. Good move.