Photos by Michael McGrath, Words by Amy McGrath
Offering the ideal remedy for the “What the Hell is Happening to my Country and my Life Blues,” Tinariwen blew a warm and comforting blast of desert air through the Gothic Theatre on Friday night. Tinariwen is a long-time collective of musicians from the Taureg nomadic people of Saharan desert. Their sound is a mesmerizing mix of traditional Taureg vocal music that has been heavily influenced by Western guitar based rock music like Jimi Hendrix, Dire Straits and Santana.
Tinariwen hails primarily from Mali, and their sound shares some similarities to another important Malian guitar hero, Ali Farka Toure. Started in early 1980’s by Ibrahim Ag Alhabib, the band has weathered decades of political violence in their homeland, the kidnapping of one of their members by Islamic extremists, and recently, threats of violence from American xenophobes. Through decades of threats to their survival, the band continues to produce music that is awe-inspiring in its ability to transport both musicians and listeners to a peaceful, carefree space- which is exactly what they delivered to the Gothic’s crowd on Friday night.
Trading off lead vocals and guitar responsibilities across many members of the band leaves the impression that Tinariwen is a true brotherhood. It’s also a powerful reminder of the caliber of musicianship of this band. These guys are amazing players. They’re also terrific dancers, with several members of the band taking turns engaging the audience with their gentle, mesmerizing movements- shiny robes rustling and glimmering in the stage lights. It’s an enchanting mix: the hypnotic melodies, the layers of percussion, guitars and vocals, the dance.
It’s a good time in American history to be reminded that many people of the world have faced severe threat to their very existence and have continued to create art and music that spreads joy, love and understanding amongst people. Tinariwen reminded the Gothic Theatre of all that and more on Friday night.
