Genius guitarist returns to his roots to explore the traditional blues of Mali  

After distinguishing himself from his father, the late Ali Farka Touré, Vieux Farka Touré has reconnected with the hypnotic desert blues he first played with his dad. While Vieux Farka Touré’s previous albums have included reggae and dub reggae effects, rock, funk, Latin and dance remixes, his two most recent records, both released in 2022, celebrate the deep, layered, traditional sounds of Mali—music his father introduced to most of the world 50 years ago.

Vieux Farka Touré, known as “the Hendrix of Sahara,” often included a couple of his father’s songs during live shows but had never devoted an entire album to his father’s legacy—until now. His new album Ali reinvents familiar and obscure treasures from his father’s catalogue with the help of Khruangbin, the psychedelic jazz fusion trio from Texas.

The second new album, Les Racines – “The Roots,” in English – reinstates Vieux’s identity and unique skill while thanking his heritage. It’s a gorgeous journey, the timeless grooves steeped in the traditional music of West Africa. But the fire of Vieux’s guitar playing and the urgency of the messages in his songs add an entirely contemporary relevance.

Vieux Farka Touré’s York Theatre performance, which will be backed by a rhythm section, is co-presented by The Cultch and CapU Global Roots Series.