Songhoy Blues — Malian Desert Blues
“Songhoy Blues’ desert R&B is incredibly rousing and intense…conjuring a freedom and thrilling abandonment in its hypnotic shuffle boogie and punky blues rocks riffs” – Mojo
Once among the most prominent of Mali’s many ethnic groups, the Songhoy now live largely on the margins of the West African nation. Nonetheless, the Songhoy people retain a fierce pride in their history, beliefs, and traditional music. Hailing from the heart of Gao, on the banks of the Niger River, Oumar Touré and Aliou Touré grew up obsessed with hip hop, R&B, and classic rock like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. They found a kindred spirit and musical brother in guitarist Garba Touré (son of Oumar Touré, long term percussionist in Ali Farka Touré’s band). When growing unrest in the north of Mali forced the young men and their families to take refuge in the southern town of Bamako, they decided to turn crisis into opportunity by forming a band. They enlisted drummer Nathanial “Nat” Dembele and baptized their band Songhoy Blues in celebration of their displaced people and culture. The ambitious young band were soon a fixture on the Bamako live music scene with their desert blues, blending American guitar licks with Malian grooves.
Songhoy Blues plays in Eugene at WOW Hall, 291 West 8th Avenue on Tuesday, October 24 at 8:00 pm. This is an all ages event with tickets from $15.00 to $17.00 available at Ticketfly.com.
Songhoy Blues will be appearing at the Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside, on Wednesday, October 25. Show time is 9:00 pm and tickets can be purchased in advance at Ticketfly.com for $18.00. Day of show at the door price is $20.00. @1 & over only.
