Lobi Traoré (1961-2010) was a renowned African guitarist, singer and songwriter based in Bamako (Mali). Shortly before he died, suddenly and unexpectedly in June 2010, Lobi recorded an unprecedented solo CD. It was just him and his guitar, in a single session with no overdubs. ‘Rainy Season Blues’ (Glitterhouse Records GR 711) is Lobi’s final musical statement.
“What I love about Lobi’s playing,” recalls American musician Bonnie Raitt, who heard and jammed with Lobi during a trip to Mali in 2000, “is how hypnotic, bluesy and emotional it is. He got me from the first time i heard him—absolutely his own style, but in direct line with the deep, modal Delta blues I love. He was a rising star, carrying on the soulful, improvisational style of Ali Farka Touré and John Lee Hooker, but adding his own innovations on the electric guitar. He was also wonderful man, beloved by so many and it’s a terrible loss he was taken so soon. I’m honored to have had the chance to know and play with him.”
Buy the album:
- In North America: Rainy Season Blues. Other recordings available: Mali Blue, I Yougoba, Lobi Traore Group, Barra Coura
- In Europe: Rainy Season Blues. Other recordings available: Lobi Traore, Mali Blue, I Yougoba
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
