duggup

In the middle of January this year, Jon Pareles of the New York Times wrote a review of Globalfest 2008 and in it he mentioned a band called Toumast

Here is some of what he wrote…

Finally, there was Toumast, led by a Touareg guitarist from Niger, Moussa Ag Keyna, who came to Paris after being wounded in battle. The Tuaregs, whose separatist rebellion was defeated by Mali and Niger, developed music that merges modal African riffs with stark electric-guitar rock. Aminatou Goumar, who usually shares lead vocals, was unable to appear, leaving Mr. Ag Keyna to lead what sounded like a power trio plus a percussionist (playing hand drums and metal castanets). The songs — about the rebels and expatriate sorrows — revolve around Mr. Ag Keyna’s high voice, starkly hypnotic riffs and snaky lead lines, working up to a trancelike momentum. They don’t need to be heard as world music. With the right bookings, Toumast could be a sensation on the stoner-rock circuit.

Now after a write-up like that I had to check these guys out .I have to say I am glad I did.

Can I understand a word of what’s being sung?

Absolutely not, but like all good blues music the words are only a portion of the story. And these guys can play the blues.

Here we have a folk music, lashings of blues and a very funky groove. Quite a tidy little package. The band has a true passion for it’s desert heritage but the western arrangements and production catch your ear and hold your attention long enough for the rhythms, melody and poetry to stop you cold.

A fabulous blues band, highly recommended.

The bands websites are at http://www.myspace.com/toumast and http://www.toumast.com/