world/blues

JOEP PELT & LOBI TRAORÉ

I Yougoba!
(Cadiz Records)
If there's one person who shrugs his shoulders for jetlags and culture shocks, then it's Joep Pelt. The delta blues stole his heart, but he also plays in pop, metal and rap bands. These days he is interested in African music. In 2004 he discovered Mali, and he wanted to adopt the Malinese style of guitar picking. On his musical quest he met Lobi Traoré and hence this co-production I Yougoba! It just oozes fun. The high quality album sounds fresh and is the ideal crossover of blues, folk, rock, funk and traditional Malinese sounds. In his very own way, you might call Joep Pelt the Dutch Ry Cooder, who also likes to bring the blues back to its African roots. The result is an electrifying experience. Live it is an absolute must see.