The last time Tinariwen was in town, about two years ago, I
missed the show for absolutely no reason. So to put it simply, I was beyond ecstatic
for last night’s performance by Tinariwen at the Paradise Rock Club, ending my
two-year wait to experience the beauty of the world psychedelic rock group. Opener
was South London based roots/folk group, The Melodic.
Unlike the majority of shows I attend, Tinariwen is more
than just another band playing a show, trying to make it big. Not only has this
band been performing for over four decades with numerous band member changes,
they have also been active members in the uprisings and rebellions in Mali. A
force of nature, this group is more than just a band, they are a public figure
to their people. The band name “Tinariwen” roughly translates to “deserts”
capturing their origin as men of the desert. Influenced by rock n roll legends
like Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Dire Straits, Tinariwen also captures and
reflects the culture of which they have risen from. To my delight there stage
set up was as basic as it can get. All you found on stage was their amps set up
on chairs (and let me tell you these guys weren’t playing out of custom made
cabs and setups, the lead guitarist was rigged up into a 75w vox amp), and
Tinariwen themselves, dressed in traditional Mali wear.
(Tinariwen)
(Tinariwen)
Catch up with The Melodic & Tinariwen here:
The Melodic:
Tinariwen:
Keep it real Boston ✌
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