World music is a funny term. Coined in the 1960’s and popularized within the music industry in the 1980’s, it generally came to mean pretty much everything that wasn’t Western. It may as well have been called Third World Music. And it’s a label that Amadou & Mariam sit within rather shakily. It’s a confusing term, especially for a couple with influences so varied. While they may be from Mali, they have as diverse a range of influences as Syrian, Egyptian, Columbian, and a whole host of Western musicians. Certainly, with a more literal interpretation of the term “world”, their sound would fit the definition better. But enough of that. Terms in the music industry are more often than not inherently vague, and are about as accurate as Dick Cheney with a rifle.
Affectionately known as The Blind Couple from Mali, Amadou & Mariam put on an incredibly visceral show for a couple in their 50’s; and even more surprisingly, it is an overtly visual show. The talking drummer is perfectly complemented by the more conventional rock, on-beat drumming. The two dancers, perched off to the side, become increasingly involved throughout the show, culminating in them being coaxed onto centre stage by the talking drummer to showcase their energetic, and enticingly African style of dance.
The crowd are lapping it up. It’s all a bit puppy like. A trademark smile from Miriam is enough to garner a round of applause. Which, I guess, is something you would expect from a group that recently supported Coldplay’s US tour and Blur’s gig in Hyde Park. Or maybe it’s just because they’re blind? I couldn’t really work it out. Anyway, they have also been an integral part of Damon Albarn’s Africa Express shows, and have been heavily involved with world music star Manu Chao (who produced their first major album release in 2005).
For most of the show, Amadou takes lead vocalist duties, with Miriam’s more conventional Malian intonation (read less accessible to the Western ear) more often than not taking backing vocal duties. Last year’s Welcome To Mali, their major push into the mainstream, features prominently in the set list. Africa is an instantly recognizable new track that mashes together a positive interpretation of African music; but it is Masiteladi that is the highlight of the night. This is the moment when Amadou’s guitar playing skills are finally pushed into the limelight.
His face lights up, he leans back, teeth gleaning under the spotlight as he seesaws back and forth in slow-mode Gumby-esque contortions, mixing bluesy licks with psychedelic riffs. Clearly he is in the same league as Pink Floyd’s Dave Gilmour, who recently backed the band (if not, dare I say it…even better. Yeah. I went there). A master guitarist indeed.
Before the night is up, the crowd is randomly treated to the Magic Number’s distinctly obese Romeo Stoddart gracing the stage, and complimenting yet another dimension to the barrage of influences, with his distinctly humble, country-bumpkin style of play effortlessly integrating into the diverse mix of sounds on offer.
It is truly a heady mix of influences that are on offer, and the non-stop nature of the show is almost overwhelming. You just can’t help but enjoy it though. And dance. Yeah, there was plenty of that.
