Sidi Touré's latest full length, Alafia, serves as the latest case study of how the segregation of a "world music" genre has been rendered increasingly irrelevant in today's music climate. In its place has emerged a globalization of earbuds with implications to be found in the rise of Alafia's creator. Touré is, after all, a Malian bluesman beloved for well-deserved reasons by the likes of Vincent Moon's Take Away Show circles and signed to a Chicago-based indie label. It's even worth making the case that the eclectic strings and pedals of Tokyo-based labelmate Dustin Wong loop with traces of Touré's guitar.
On his third international release Touré invites listeners into a peaceful state of mind, via meditative melodies and pick-induced rhythms. While at many times it's impossible to avoid the desire to dance, Alafia occasionally subdues into a a Songhaï folk fit for the tropics, most notably on "L'eau: The Water." Across the album's tracks, a panic-speed guitar and chants result in a total zone of tranquility. There is beauty to be found in Touré's rhythmic complexity, a peacefulness born out of chaos. Alafia is out now via Thrill Jockey. Watch the video for opening track "Ay Hora" and check out Touré's upcoming dates below.
Sidi Touré Tour Dates
Sep 19 - Grounds For Thought, Bowling Green, OH
Sep 20 - Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse, Oberlin, OH
Sep 21 - Thunderbird, Pittsburgh, PA
Sep 27 - Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
Sep 28 - Dome Theater, Arlington, VA
Oct 1 - The Center at Eagle Hill, Hardwick, MA
Oct 4 - Saint Anselm College, Dana Center, Manchester, NH
Oct 5 - BAM Café, Brooklyn, NY
Oct 6 - Crossroads, Philadelphia, PA
Oct 10 - Grand Park (Daniel Pearl World Music Days), Los Angeles, CA
Oct 12 + 13 - Shakori Hills Festival, Pittsboro, NC
Oct 19 - Rasa, Utrecht, Netherlands
Oct 24 - WOMEX, Cardiff, UK
Oct 25 - The Lexington, London, UK
