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 04/2008

    Various Artists
    Soulsville Sings Hitsviile

  • reviewed 04/2016

    John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
    Live in 1967 vol. 2

  • reviewed 04/2012

    TOBY WALKER
    Shake Shake Mama

  • reviewed 08/2016

    Ty Curtis
    Blame Me

  • reviewed 04/2017

    Blackfoot Gypsies
    To The Top

  • reviewed 11/2010

    EDEN BRENT
    AIN'T GOT NO TROUBLES

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.