I worked 15 hrs yesterday at the port, so by the time I got to Timbuktu, I was in an advanced state of zombiehood--you know you're creating the deep groove when even a zombie hits the dance floor! - email from poet Harvey Taylor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

kt rusch music

New CD available now!

at Atomic Records and Borders

or e-mail us to purchase, setting up on-line ordering soon

mali blues group

genre:  world music, afro-desert blues - like a blending of Howlin' Wolf ,  Ali Farka Toure and Tinariwen

Mali Blues Group features Tani Diakite (Mali) on kamelon ngoni, KT Rusch on electric bass and ngoni, and Djam Vivie (Ghana) on percussion.  Traditional, hand-made West African instruments, potent electric bass-lines, and original songs create the sound.   

We also feature a collective of wonderful Milwaukee and Madison musicans such as: Yaya Kambaye, Jason Seed, Tony Casteneda, Andy Ewen, Tim Gruber, Nicky Sund, Deon Sartin, Bocar Ndiaye, Edie Gbordzi, Chris Braun, Firat Ilker and others on live performances.

mission

We are an international group promoting an original, organic groove, driven by powerful bass lines,  precision, roots-style percussion and blues-based ngoni technique. Our music has been compared to the infectious Touareg desert trance music made popular by the Southern Sahara group Tinariwen and the blues of Ali Farka Toure.  Mali Blues presents a musical and cultural experience for listeners, dancers, and seekers of a positive vibe.

We may be booked as a two to six piece group depending on the venue and event.  We are available for educational workshops featuring making and playing traditional instruments as well as other aspects of African arts and culture.

Highlights of 2006 include Milwaukee's 10 day festival, Summerfest opening for Amadou and Mariam from Mali, and Madison's La Fete de Marquette (Bastille Day celebration) in Central Park.

Please check the calendar for upcoming shows. Our Live CD recorded in Spring 2006 at Madison's Rathskellar and Milwaukee's Shank Hall is now available.

malibluesliveCD cover.jpg (402963 bytes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in the media:
Check out the press on Mali Blues.

 

Tani Diakite

Tani Diakite is a Malian singer and professional kamelon ngoni virtuoso. He is a member of the highly prestigious Bureau of Malian Artists, an honor given by the Malian Ministry of Culture.  Tani also performs as a solo artist.  Visit Calabash Music for more info:

Born and raised in the bluesy Wassoulou region of southern Mali, he currently resides in Madison, Wisconsin.

KT Rusch

The first two recordings she was able to purchase as a youth in Milwaukee were:  Elmore James: King of Slide Guitar and Bob Marley Live.  See All About KT for more info.

Djam Vivie

Djam is from a village near the town of Oh in southern Ghana.  He is a master woodcarver, drum maker and founder of African Arts and Cultural Heritage (phone 608-446-1019) in Madison, WI. He also plays with Madison group Atimevu.

 

Interviews with Tani, Djam,  and KT coming soon.

 

 

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Fete de Marquette Club Timbuktu
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Summerest 2006

Africa Fest 2006
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Southern Oaks Corrections School Amadou and Marium 2006

 

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