Name: Green
Brand: Ali Farka Toure

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

4050538966046

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-01-26

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Warner Music Group

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

Black LP

Artist

Ali Farka Toure

Genre GB

African

Label GB

BMG Rights Management, formerly known as Bertelsmann Music Group, is a global music conglomerate with a rich history in the industry. Originally formed in 1985 as a joint venture between Bertelsmann AG and RCA, BMG has since evolved into a powerhouse of music production and distribution.

In 1986, Bertelsmann acquired full ownership of RCA and Arista Records through the purchase of their joint venture's stock from General Electric. The following year, these labels were merged under the umbrella of Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), solidifying its position as a major player in the music world.

In 2004, BMG joined forces with Sony Music to create Sony BMG Music Entertainment. However, in 2008, Bertelsmann sold its stake in the company, leading to the formation of BMG Rights Management. Today, BMG continues to thrive as a leading record label and distributor worldwide.

Ali Farka Touré, born in 1939 in Kanau, Mali, was a renowned Malian guitarist and the leading figure of Mali blues. He gained international recognition for his collaborations with Ry Cooder, winning two Grammy awards for their album Talking Timbuktu. Touré's musical genius extended to his 2005 release Heart Of The Moon, featuring the talented kora player Toumani Diabaté. Not only a musician but also a peacemaker, he played a vital role in resolving the Touareg rebellions of the mid-90s. After battling illness for an extended period, Touré passed away in March 2006, leaving behind a widow and eleven children.

Touré's unique style and mastery of the guitar captivated audiences worldwide. His music beautifully blended traditional Malian melodies with elements of American blues and folk music. With his soulful voice and intricate guitar playing, he created a sound that resonated deeply with listeners.

As Mayor of Niafunké in Northern Mali, on the outskirts of the Sahara desert, Touré remained connected to his roots throughout his career. His contributions to both music and society solidified him as one of Africa's most influential artists.

In the 1970s, Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré worked as a sound engineer for national Radio Mali and broadcasts of his own performances earned him a formidable local reputation. He sent some recordings to the Sonodisc record company in Paris, resulting in one of the first ever commercial releases of Malian music - a 12" vinyl album titled Ali Toure 'Farka'. Between 1975 and 1988 a total of seven albums were released, all titled only with variations on the artist's name and with no information other than a photo and the song titles. The last two albums released became known as the 'Red' and 'Green' albums due to the colours of their original album sleeves. In the mid-1980s a few copies of these albums found their way to Anne Hunt of World Circuit Records, prompting her to travel to Mali and broadcast an appeal over the airwaves of Radio Mali to find Ali. As luck would have it Ali was visiting the capital Bamako and he heard the broadcast. Thus began Ali's hugely successful international career and his long relationship with the World Circuit label.&nbsp;

Digitally remastered from the original tapes, Ali Farka Touré’s ‘Green’ album showcases Ali's acoustic guitar and vocals, both alone and accompanied by calabash and ngoni (traditional four string guitar). It’s one of many in Ali’s catalogue that demonstrate his continuing importance to African music. A must-have for both fans and collectors alike.

Green

Music GB

Discover Green by Ali Farka Toure on vinyl. Limited Edition LP reissue from BMG. Digitally remastered from the original tapes.