MARKUS JAMES

Snakeskin Violin

2008-03-14

Markus James has been dubbed "The Unofficial Dean of the Roots-World-Blues Movement." This disc makes him official. Recorded in Mali, the Mississippi Delta and California, James teams with Malian musicians such as Vieux Farka Toure, Tamashek women vocalists from Timbuktu and delta drummer Calvin Jackson to merge American blues with African roots music. The lines are so blurred that you can play this CD as either blues or worldbeat. "Weather Vane" (#7), "O.M. Boogie" (#8) and "Soon" (#15) are examples of brilliant merging of the genres. A remarkable effort that shows the seamlessness of Mali and Mississippi music. MJVD 03/08 B-Roots (or W-Fusion depending on your ears)

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Blues

  • reviewed 02/2017

    Wild Adriatic
    Feel

  • reviewed 08/2008

    IRMA THOMAS
    Simply Grand

  • reviewed 06/2008

    THE JOE MOSS BAND
    Maricela's Smile

  • reviewed 08/2007

    PATRICK SWEANY
    Every Hour Is a Dollar Gone

  • reviewed 03/2019

    TOMMY CASTRO AND THE PAINKILLERS
    KILLIN' IT LIVE

  • reviewed 04/2016

    Golden State Lone Star Blues Revue
    Golden State Lone Star Blues Revue

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.