(ARISE magazine, issue 15) The Malian singer-guitarist and son of late blues legend Ali Farka Touré has just completed a new collaboration with Israeli musician Idan Raichel – The Touré-Raichel Collective – and tours America in April and May.
Zebulon, Brooklyn
This venue has the best energy. It’s where I played my first ever concert outside of Mali with my own group in 2007. It’s a small place, really cool and intimate. The crowd goes crazy there. Beautiful place.
WOMAD
It is always a really fun festival with some of the best music in the world. I played at WOMAD last year so I do not think I will play there again this year. But of course, if they want to invite me I will be happy to play again.
The Source, Ali Farka Touré
The Source by my father, Ali Farka Touré. It is my foundation. I grew up listening to it and it is the one I put on the most when I have the choice. I cannot say why, I just love it.
The Banjo
I love the sound and I play some too. I got one when I first went to North Carolina. I associate it with bluegrass music, which is deeply connected to the music from Mali – it is very similar to our ngoni.
CARINYA SHARPLES 