Tamikrest

Tamikrest have been regarded as the spearhead of the new Tuareg generation; these legitimate heirs of Tinariwen have long been opening up new paths between desert blues tamasheq and Western rock, worn by totally hypnotic voices in the rough, a groove that feeds the songs, these thin and serpentine bass, and these swirling guitar melodies, resulting in an eminently natural blend of the Sahel, Maghreb.

« Blazing with a righteous intensity, the heft and power how West African desert blues has muscled-up » (Songlines)

The story begins at Kidal, capital of the eighth Region of Mali, while making tea of course. Pino, Cheikh and Mossa had just finished a guitar workshop with Juhan Ecaré (guitarist for Meiway) when they decided to form a group with only two old ‘home made’ guitars. And they got to work…

“Even though we are young, guitars still have six cords!”

After one year and a half of hard work, the group is complete and their repertory has grown to contain more than twenty-five original compositions. Though their music takes root in Ishumar Rock or Tuareg Blues, it borrows from various international influences as well as from neighbouring cultures.

Through the message of their songs, Tamikrest want to make Tamasheq poetry and culture accessible to inhabitants of a world larger than the immensity of the Saharian desert.

“Ousmane Ag Mossa and Paul Salvagnac’s twin lead guitars sound very much like Peter Green and Danny Kirwan around 1970, with their bell-like tones and meditative qualities, whilst the acoustic playing on the song Tanakra could easily be Nick Drake playing on Pink Moon … Tamikrest have a curious ability to groove and chill at the same time with singing, guitar and djembe – which are ever so slightly behind the beat – drawing you into the intimacy of their performance.”— (fRoots)

past album "TAMOTAÏT" Out 27 march 2020

--- LINE-UP---
Ousmane Ag Mossa - vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar
Aghaly Ag Mohamedine - djembe, backing vocals
Cheick Ag Tiglia - bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Paul Salvagnac - lead & rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, slide guitar
Nicolas Grupp - drums, percussion

Available SUMMER 2022 - FALL 2022 - SPRING 2023 : 5 musicians (7 on the road))