Brisbane Powerhouse - Tue Jan 19

The son of the late ‘n legendary Malian blues guitarist Ali, tonight Vieux Farka Touré begins the first of two engagements at the Powerhouse. But first, it’s Queensland-based three-piece Baala Baajo, the brainchild of Ghanaian singer, dancer and musician Nii Armah. A community project as much as a band, tonight it’s all about the performance – which is a beautiful and hypnotic blend of traditional stringed instruments and infectious rhythms.

Next up, Vieux Farka Touré’s virtuosity is matched by his whole band’s amazing ability to blend Western and African musical elements. But it’s Touré who’s at the heart of the music, whether performing slow-burning blues, Hendrix-esque rock that gets its funk on or reggae (“Not traditional reggae,” says Toure in his limited English. “MY reggae”). No matter what genre is covered, even at its most celebratory there’s an eerie quality to Touré’s flange-heavy playing. Though I’m sure neither artist is aware, there are stylistic similarities with Mancunian guitarist Vini Reilly from Durutti Column – both players have a beautiful, melancholic tone to their playing. However, Touré’s full-band performance is also brimming with energy, the group veering between haunting melodies, chant-like vocals (Touré sings in a gravelly, soulful voice) and extravagant up-tempo jams. On our feet by the end of the show, Touré has metaphorically ripped the joint apart.

MATT THROWER

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