The Touré-Raichel Collective: When Israeli Melodies And Malian Rhythms Collide
Idan Raichel met Malian guitar virtuoso Vieux Farka Touré in a chance encounter in 2008. Raichel, one of Israeli top-selling pop stars and keyboard player, was already an admirer of Touré's music -- as well as the work of his father, the late Ali Farka Touré -- for many years before they crossed paths at a German airport. And when Touré performed a concert in Tel Aviv, Raichel sat in. Soon thereafter, the two met up in studio for a jam session, recording for three hours, and kindling a strong collaboration that became the Touré-Raichel Collective.
On its first album, 2012's The Tel Aviv Sessions, the duo showcased aspects from both cultures -- mixing Malian rhythms with Israeli melodies -- yet both Touré and Raichel eschewed elements from their own music for something far more intimate and spare. Quickly the project grew in size, adding additional members to create full-fledged band featuring Jewish Israelis and Muslim Africans. Now, with the recently-released follow-up, The Paris Sessions, Touré and Raichel continue to build on their unique musical relationship and transcendent globe-spanning songs.
Set List:
- "Hodu"
- "Tidhar"
- "Philipa"
Watch the Touré-Raichel Collective's previous performance on Soundcheck in 2012:
