Ali Farka Touré (October 31, 1939 – March 7, 2006) is my favorite (musical) artist. I can say that with complete certainty.
If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely two things. One, a music lover and two, a conversationalist.
As both of those things myself, I’ve been stumped by the question, “Who is your favorite artist?” I’m certain you have too. The question is kind of bullshit, frankly. We all lean on different artists in different moods. We might be feeling Robert Johnson while relaxing in a hammock or Skrillex while deadlifting. Maybe Mozart when slicing into a steak. Driving through Echo Park on a Sunday afternoon might inspire Mr. Shadow. Or…well, you get it. The point is, it’s always been impossible to choose.
Until this morning.
As I type, I’m absorbing breathtaking Touré guitar. If I had to choose a genre to listen to for the rest of my life, it would be Blues.
It was a prescient choice as today Toure is known as the Bluesman of Africa because of his highly distinctive blues style that’s a cross-mix of the Arabic-influenced Malian sound with American blues reminicent of bluesmen such as John Lee Hooker, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and Big Joe Williams. He most commonly tours with his brother on calabash, and cousin on congas.
I’ve written about John Lee Hooker around here before, and I get the comparison, but the two are way more different that they are similar. JLH’s voice is deep and earthy. It’s rich, but it’s fairly monotone. Touré’s voice is more layered. His tones are ever changing and complex. His music is transportive. Fuck. I want a campfire, a tent and a beard…now. Sleeping under the stars in the Timbuktu desert.
Listen to this
and tell me you don’t want to rest here tonight.
The ultimate test of an artist is how many moments they cover for you. No matter my activity, Touré provides a strong soundtrack. From this day forward, I have my answer.
Your turn. Who is yours? Take some time, think it through and go. You get one choice.
Strong mind,
Kap
Darryl Mulder says
Peter Gabriel
I heard someone describe his music as “eccentric, yet very accessible.” He was able to make mainstream-friendly songs in the late-’70s/early-’80s, (“Sledgehammer”, “In Your Eyes”, “Shock the Monkey”, etc.) but still had an unique identity in his music.
Gabe Kapler says
Thank you for contributing, Darryl.
Frank says
Sinatra. All the way
Gabe Kapler says
Dependable. Thank you, Frank.
Chester says
Thanks you for this. His son, Vieux Farka Touré, also lays out interesting progressions. Also if you like John Lee Hooker you may want to check out some Howlin’ Wolf with Hubert Sumlin on guitar. Underrated guitarist, paired with the Wolf’s spooky and bizarre voicings, along with Wolf’s and Willie Dixon’s sexual songwriting — you may want to check it out. Songs such as Smokestack Lightnin, 300 Pounds of Joy, Spoonful, I Ain’t Superstitious, Moanin’ at Midnight, Killing Floor, Hidden Charms, and more.
bill says
Wow. That was fantastic. While I love Dan Fogelberg, when asked ‘what kind of music do you like?’, my go to answer is simply ‘good music’. One thing that keeps me optimistic, is knowing that of all the ‘good music’ in the world, I’m probably only familiar with about 2% of it. Always something to look forward to. You the man Kap!
John Lofflin says
Muddy. Period.
John Lofflin says
That was wonderful. I’m in for all of this I can get my hands on. Might be great for meditation.
Cabble says
Thanks, yet again, for a heads up on some good music. Been enjoying Django Reinhardt all month.
For the past decade The Avett Brothers have been scoring my life. If I were given a time machine, the first thing I’d do is ensure I’d learned about them earlier.
slappythefishman says
Bucky Pizzarelli would be my guy
Keith says
Tom Waits
The man captures the complete spectrum of the human emotion and creates a true empathy for those with a troubled plight.
Stu says
Australian band called Powderfinger. If you like ballads, rock, alternative etc you will most likely enjoy them. My personal favorite Powderfinger song is “These Days”. Enjoy!