Global interest in African Blues is growing. Bands and artists such as Mariem Hassan, Oumou Sangare, Tinariwen and the late Ali Farka Toure, have like many other African Blues artists, inspired increased interest in West Africa – the ‘birthplace’ of the Blues. This sound, carried by enslaved Africans brought to the North America, would forge its signature on what is called Delta Blues.
The newly released album, The Rough Guide To African Blues 3rd Edition (2CD set, released date 4.29.2014), is a generous celebration of varied artists and groups from Senegal, the Sudan and particularly Mali. If you’re a fan of the Blues, then perhaps you’ll find interest in a few other albums: “Festival in the Desert”, “Putumayo Presents: Mali”, “Ambiances du Sahara”, and “Desert Crossroads with Etran Finatawa” are worth reviewing.
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