Terakaft – Akh Issudar – World Village 468084, 57:00 ***1/2 [Distr. by Harmonia mundi]:
(Kedou Ag Ossad – guitars, vocals; Liya Ag Ablil, aka Diara – guitars, vocals; Sanou Ag Ahmed – guitars, vocals; Issa Dicko – voice; Rhissa Ag Ogham – bass, vocals)
Following the trail blazed by Tinariwen – the first of the Malian bands made up of nomadic desert peoples known as the Taureg – Terakaft plays an attractive West African popish blues that first gained international recognition in the music of Ali Farka Toure. Featuring ringing, layered guitars, almost the North African equivalent of early Byrds folk-rock, simple anthemic melodies, trancelike unison vocals, and lots of attitude, there’s an undeniable pull in this music that resonates with some of Ry Cooder’s bluesier projects or perhaps more closely with Taj Mahal.
Understandably, lots of sketchy folklore has arisen about these groups: that they found buried in the desert some old beat-up guitars and a stash of ancient southern American country blues LPs that transformed their musical outlook; that they were formerly Saharan freedom fighters; that they all own snazzy Volkswagen SUVs.
A difficulty with music like this is separating what’s authentic from what’s novelty. At least part of their popularity seems to stem from the fact that they’ve managed to be perceived as authentic rebels by jaded American youths burned out from the alt rock scene, thus lending them a certain cachet not strictly arising from their musical accomplishment.
But let’s give credit where credit is due. At the end of the day there’s enough substance in this attractive music for it to have at least a fleeting taste of fame and perhaps a lot more. After all, there seems to be a vast appetite in Europe and North America for these somewhat exotic blues hybrids.
TrackList: Akh Issudar, Ténéré Wer Tat Zinchegh, Djer Aman, Intidgagen, Soubhanallah, Legh Assistane Dagh Aïtma, Amidinine Wa Dagh Nohar Timtar, Ewor Imdane, Haran Bardan, Amdagh, Iswegh Atay, Arghane Manine, Islegh Teghram, Tahra A Issasnanane
– Jan P. Dennis
