RIP Ali Farka Toure

Ali Farka Toure was the greatest bluesman to come out of Mali, heck, all of Africa. He died today

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/africa/article349899.ece

I first got introduced to Ali in the early 80s on one of those World Music compilations. His music has a powerful soulness to it and a rhythm that was inspired by John Lee Hooker and other Delta blues. IMHO Ali is one of the greatest musician ever lived. He wasn't more famous because he chose not to be. Trying several times to retire from music and going home to farm, finally doing it in 2000 at the age of 62. Ali retired to his own village, an island in the middle of Niger River, near Timbuktu and about a 3 days drive from civilization. There Ali planted rice & mangoes to feed the 50 people in his village. When asked why he quit from music Ali replied ''because honey needs to go to more than one mouth''.

Mali is a treasure grove for amazing, deep & rhythmic African music. In addition to Ali I'd suggest people check out Amadou & Miriam, Mamani Keita and her amazing album Eletric Bamako, Salif Keita and Omou Sangare. I dream of going to the famous Festival in the Desert in Mali someday. The world will miss Ali Farka Toure.