The desert blues has developed into its own musical genre, the root of the blues. Following its initial popularization by the late
Ali Farka Touré (who is represented here, of course, showing how stripped-down his music could be compared to those who have followed), it has really blossomed thanks to the influx of Tuareg bands. After artists like
Tartit and
Mariem Hassan came
Tinariwen, who broke through and really established the desert blues. They were followed by their sub-Saharan companions
Terakaft and
Tamikrest, who have also been receiving plenty of attention, and yet more names wait in the wings, such as Jalihena Natu. The odd ones out here are
Amadou & Mariam, the Malian duo who found a measure of fame recording with
Manu Chao. Their music might have a foundation in West African blues, but it is not desert blues, even if the track used here hints at it slightly. As an introduction to the desert blues, this does a very thorough job and the inclusion of an earlier complete album by
Etran Finatawa (also on the compilation) adds real value for the money. ~ Chris Nickson