Vieux Farka Toure

Vieux is just an amazing musician. His talent knows no bounds. Run don'twalk to go see him!

This was a wonderful concert, but might have been better at a different venue. Royce has good sound and not really any bad seats. But the marketing / sales did not succeed in selling any tickets for the balcony / mezzanine. Sound-wise, there were a few flubs with the mixers, a scratchy mic, barely heard second vocals by the acoustic guitarist. Viewx's playing is excellent; fast, harmonically complex and dense. He's commanding yet a relaxed performer. The band really cooks. Highly recommended. LA's Fool's Gold seemed a good fit for a warm up act. Might look around to see them again, locally. Percussion and sax guys were very good. Found the Bass player to be faking the playing sometimes with extra computer tracking. Wondered why. Special note: Had to move from my 7th row seats to the back rows to avoid the bad "Dead Head" swaying by several dozen old-timers who insist on providing inadvertent visual pollution by their need to "dance" by the stage during Vieux's performance. Something very narcissistic about this compulsion to stand and block peoples (paid) views. I've been to my fair share of outdoor concerts. When people pay for the use of a seat to see a show, it seems selfish to block the view by standing in front. Please, people, learn how to dance properly if you're going to put on a show in public. Have you no shame?

Vieux was fantastic! And, of course, I really love his dad's music as well. Fool's Gold was innovative. Overall, a very good time was had.

Royce hall has crisp acoustics. Its not the best place for African music but the staff allow dancers on the sides and back of the hall. Vieux Farka Toure, ambassador of humanity from Africa, of all places. My respects to the honorable school of music of Mali. Thank you Vieux for making everyone get up to dance and release the energy that your music gave our bodies.

I have long been drawn to the enchanting music of Mali and when I saw the listing for Vieux Farka Toure- I knew I simply HAD to go! The show opened with local Los Angeles band Fools Gold. They are a perfect blend of Hipster LA, a sprinkling of the Smiths and Malian traditions. They invited the house to dance and got the guests warmed up and ready for Vieux. Though suffering from heavy jet lag, Vieux and his exceptional band transcended human limitations and took their audience on a rich musical Odyssey. In honor of his father, late African Blues great Ali Farka Toure, Vieux presented a sumptuous feast of deep African Blues that left the audience with their jaws hanging open in humble disbelief. As the set heightened, Vieux and his band, played with an unbelievable musical fluidity in a blend of traditional Malian artistry and speed metal prowess which simply ripped the decorative roof off of Royce Hall. Nearly the entire audience was on their feet dancing as fast as they could. As we left the hall I said to my friend,"Imagine all of the people in Los Angeles who have know idea this took place tonight?"

Excellent show and one of the best concerts attended.

Vieux Farka Toure: a real talent at his electric guitar (his acoustic player also)! Beautiful vocals. Solid bass. Three in beautiful attire that occasionally thrilled us with some dance steps. Having heard other more traditional performers from Mali and area, I missed hearing more traditional instruments, but Vieux carries very well Malian harmony into the future. His father can be proud, he is really excellent! Sound/amplification was great. They had an engineer. I was really amazed by percussionist Tim Keiper. He's fantastic!!!

Vieux strums all those notes with a fingerpick on his index finger and with his thumb. I was watching him do this, and thinking "that's a good idea". He might be strumming with some other fingers on his right hand, but I didn't see him doing this. Anyway, at the end of the concert, he reached over and gave me the pick. I was very surprised. I've tried playing with it, but I play bass finger style so it feels a bit awkward. None the less, I love having it. I keep it on my amp cord. Maybe I'll figure some way to play with it someday.

An unforgettable show...dazzling guitar work, adrenaline pumping percussion, great club atmosphere. This was a show I will still be talking about years down the road. Vieux Farka Toure's guitar is unstoppable.

Vieux Farka Toure was amazing! first time I have been to the venue since it became the Brighton Music Hall. Good place, sound was good.