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CALABASH BLUES
FIRENZE
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For more than a decade, this blues-steeped California songwriter has been frequenting hidden musical corners of Mali, guitar and recording gear in tow. Working with desert-dwelling musicians, including famed sidemen of Ali Farka Toure from the north and a Wassoulou harpist from the south, James has produced four albums and a film, and created an ever-deepening consort of African and American traditions. This set of 13 songs draws from all periods of James’s odyssey, with an emphasis on the roots/blues side of the equation. "Come Around" fuses a moody Songhai vamp with shades of Howlin’ Wolf’s "Smokestack Lightning." "Mone/Jump and Fly" lifts to a racing shuffle, buoyed by chanting vocals and clear-toned slide guitar. "Dream After Dream" offers a serene, desert take on Skip James. As the ubiquitous clopping grooves of calabash percussion merge with vibey guitars and the haunting strains of the njarka fiddle, far-flung traditions find easy common ground. James’s guitar work is always restrained, his vocals ranging from a deep whisper to a bluesy growl to an ambling rap. This is the payoff of having a good idea, and sticking with it. Markus James + Wassonrai | Zeitgeist Gallery, Inman Square, Cambridge | October 20 | 617.876.6060 | Johnny D’s | Davis Square, Somerville | October 22 | 617.776.7450.
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