AA. VV.
Songs For Desert Refugees

How much a title explains everything.

This compilation was made to raise funds for the poor souls forced to leave their homes due to the civil war in Mali, a war that has now lasted over 3 years.

An album released spontaneously, as a ready and almost expected response to support those who had suddenly lost everything.

Now, after 3 years, one might think that such an instinctive record would cease to have any function.

But no way.

This album remains the best way to approach Tuareg music without any doubt.

I don't know what relationship you have with this type of music (classic rock with influences from the sounds, rhythms, sensations of the Sahara desert and the fact that among the many probable origins of American rural blues there is Mali) but it must be admitted that it has given us great satisfaction, producing records that can be considered among the most vibrant of the last few years in the rock field.

And here are all the most important exponents of the scene that I am aware of, who knows how many others, perhaps even better, are scattered among the dunes.

I admit that of the 12 names on the list, I only knew 3: the pioneers Tinariwen (here with a beautiful, evocative Amous Idraout Assouf d'Alwa), the students Tamikrest (a bit subdued but still consistent and recognizable), and the "outsider" Bombino (who delights us with a live performance - already released on record - of his over 13-minute long psychedelic-full-flowing-river songs).

These are the 3 most famous that have reached my ears over the years.

But naturally, Tuareg music is composed of other singers and other bands like any lively music scene should be.

And of course, it is those I didn't know that surprised me the most, also because of the first-time effect.

If I really had to choose 2 songs from these, I would say the festive Aitma by Toumast and the guitar solo of Taghdart by (or of?) Tadalat, but it would be pointless, because, as a functional introduction, it's an album that should be listened to in its entirety.

To be surprised for the first time or to delve deeper, it's up to you.

But above all to understand that wars begin, end, and unfortunately almost always return, but music always remains to celebrate life in spite of death.

(forgive the heartfelt closing, but it fit).