Ali Farka Touré who died in 2006 was one of the most renowned African musicians. With his way of intersecting traditional Malian music and North American blues, he left an invaluable musical heritage behind. So it is definitely a courageous decision to follow that path, in particular if your name is Vieux Farka Touré and you're Ali Farka Touré's son. "The Secret" is Vieux's third studio album and another example how to play the same beat in a different way. Just like his father, Vieux Farka Touré merges traditional Malian sounds with Western culture. He's an extraordinarily talented guitarist pushing the boundaries of the so-called desert blues further towards rock, reggae and funk. No surprise that "The Secret" comes up with an illustrious guest-list: Derek Trucks, Dave Matthews and John Scofield contributed on one song each. Having said this, I reckon the biggest change "The Secret" will bring, is the term "world music" needs to be re-examined and dusted off. It sounds like there is something brilliant underneath to be discovered.

by artistxite