Customer Reviews

Desert Crossroads

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With the recent popularity of Tuareg rock group Tinariwen, it seems that Tuareg music has experienced something of a blossoming on the so-called World Music scene. Unfortunately, few can meet the passion or intensity of the original. What sets Etran Finatawa apart, however, is that they combine the music traditions of the Tuareg with that of their Wodaabe Fulani from across the Sahara. The result is a very interesting, cross-cultural project that still manages to retain that cool, rootsy blues sound of the Sahel. Having seen Etran Finatawa live, I have to say this album does a great job capturing the mood and feeling of their music.

Desert Crossroads is actually their second commercial release, and it shows. Although the album is very smoothly polished, it still retains the feel of actually being in the middle of Africa's great deserts and grasslands. And sound, that is what is really important to this CD - from the masterful strumming of the guitar, to the steady desert rhythms, to the Fulani and Tuareg vocals. From the call to unity on 'Jama'aare' to the respect for natural beauty on 'Tekana' and 'Iguefan' to the brilliant acoustic soundscapes of the three 'Tea Ceremony' tracks, this is music with a soul! Firmly rooted in tradition, Etran Finatawa maintains a strong (and distinctive) Tuareg sound. But the Wodaabe elements can still be heard as well.

Over all, its a very successful experiment in cross-cultural, pan-African music, firmly rooted in the ancient cultures of the Sahel. Anyone who appreciates the so-called 'Desert Blues' sound will find this release right up their alley. Although this is their second release, either album is a good starting point for listening to a great new sound out of the vast deserts of West Africa. I look forward to hearing future releases from an excellent group, and seeing them perform live once again. They have a great future ahead of them!

The promise of Etran Finatawa's debut album has been well fulfilled in this more mature feast of powerful rhythm, call and response, and serious joy. The group's members are of two nomadic peoples of the Saharan desert and the Sahelian grasslands, the Tuareg and the Wodaabe. They sing of their concern of maintaining their ancient cow and sheep herding life in times of environmental, political, and social change. The album insert includes extensive notes and some very fine photographs; their clothing is indicative of their respective territorial climatic zones. While the pioneering and successful Tourag group Tinariwen have become bluesy, funk world musicians, Etran Finatawa remains more rooted to tradition (as much as the introduction of electric guitars allows), yet their musical sense is more focused and studied. The rhythm, to me, is suggestive of the rocking motion atop a walking camel, and while listening to the CD, I often had to rise from my chair to dance. I much enjoy this new contribution to North African nomadic music. You probably will also.

"Desert Crossroads" is an oasis in the sands of music. Etran Finatawa of Niger unites the Touareg (the legendary "blue men" of the Sahara) with the Wodaabe. There's electrifying guitar wedded to the sounds of the calabash. "Desert Crossroads" is a fertile musical union between two nomadic peoples.

"Kel Tamasheck",an ode to the Touareg people,has rocking,bluesy guitar reminiscent of Mali's Tinariwen.
"Jama'aare" is a rhythmic,pulsing anthem to bringing people together. "Tekana" is a trancey ode to the beauty of the desert. The songs aren't the usual fluff fare: they are about keeping ancient cultures alive, respecting family, care for the environment. Unlike Tinariwen, Etran Finatawa is more primal and ritualistic. The rhythms of the calabash and the Touareg percussion bring a state of contemplation. "Bagui's Soundscape" evokes an encounter with the elaborately dressed Wodaabe in the desert. The three spare acoustic "Tea Ceremony" are as stark as a Zen sand garden.... in the depths of Africa. "Alaghalem Taxat" is an electrifying plea to preserve the beauty of Nature as desertification threatens to overtake it.

"Desert Crossroads" is a powerful, primal work. It's stark contrast to the usual overproduced, fluffy pop fare. Etran Finatawa powerfully summons the desert through their music. Close your eyes, and listen to the sound of the dunes.