Jam Band Purist
  • Home
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Partners
  • Other Writings
  • Podcast and Music
  • Ask JBP

Vieux Farka at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (Sounds From The Sahara)

3/8/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Vieux Farka at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (Sounds From The Sahara)
 
Vieux Farka, Malian singer-songwriter, brings his African guitar styling’s to 5 Points Music Sanctuary in Roanoke. Known as the Hendrix of the Sahara, Vieux is truly original and has worked with many of the Jam world’s biggest guitar legends like, Eric Krasno, Jon Scofield and Derek Trucks. Although unknown to me before this show, I was instantly immersed in his guitar style, which is both unique and alluring. Mixing Blues and African scales, the sound is reminiscent of a vast desert; although desolate, travelers gravitate to it and make it their home. This spirit that can be felt from Vieux’s music; a nomadic sound that is truly vibrant and alive. 
 
Vieux Farka Toure keeps the rhythms of the past within their sound; chaotic yet, simple at the same time. The overall sound and song selections keep the audience on its toes. The band, quickening their pace by the third song, went full force into Rock territory. This is the definition of Vieux’s style, very Hendrix-like but with a folk almost bluegrass tinge. There was no way of knowing the specific meaning behind the lyrics on the fly but they were emotionally evocative and I could feel what he was tying to tell us. 
 
The second set was heavy and filled with improvisation. I was very impressed with the vocal qualities and amazing guitar solos. This band reminds me of an African Cream, psychedelic and heavy. Improvisation was used mostly during solos but they could totally add any number of jam segments into the mix and are very capable of doing anything onstage. Vieux’s guitar skills are reminiscent of fast Spanish flamenco guitar but with a different tone altogether. Taking riffs from Bob Marley’s "I Shot The Sheriff" and mixing them in “Homafu Wawa," my favorite performance of the evening, as well as, song off his recent album ‘Samba.'
 
It's easy to hear the history of this music, as it travels from Africa to the Caribbean and into America. Influencing every type of music: Blues, Country, Rockabilly and even Bluegrass. The roots of the Blues specifically can be heard within African music, and this blending of the two in a modern setting is just what the music scene needs. This music is influenced by western culture but begins in Africa. Having a Grammy award-winning artist as a father and performing for millions of people at the Olympics, Vieux Farka is not stranger to the spotlight; I hope he remains in it for quite some time. Let's hope that North America can catch on to this outstanding and unique style of music. 
 
Ears Always Open,
 
JBP

 
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    WARNING: The views and opinions expressed on this site may not be in conjecture with your own. Be Advised
    Picture

    Editor: Robert (R.A.) Fadley

    Freelance Writer, Musicologist, Music Journalist, Music Critic, Music Writer, Author, Musician, Singer-songwriter, Composer, Guitarist.

    Keeping the Purist of High Jam Music Accounted For.



    Categories

    All
    Album Review
    Concert Review
    Festival Review
    Interview
    Photo Recap

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    April 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    June 2014
    September 2013

    RSS Feed

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!


Hours

M-F: 7am - 9pm

Telephone

540-578-0886

Email

jambandpurist@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Partners
  • Other Writings
  • Podcast and Music
  • Ask JBP