"To the musicians from Mali here, the attempt by terrorists associated with al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) to suppress music in their country's north goes beyond politics and religion: It's an offense to the soul of the nation, where music is more than entertainment, it's essential to life . . . "


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324196204578296781703815750.html

The music from Mali is a true gift to the world and I hope this struggle against insanity is successful. We should do whatever we can to show our support.

I saw Toumani Diabaté (the Segovia of the Kora) twice in concert in Portland, the first time accompanied by a large ensemble of Malian musicians. The cross-cultural bond demonstrated by these musicians was brought home powerfully when they performed a rendition of "Take Five" toward the end of the program.

Anyway, if you occasionally need a reminder of why you got involved in music in the first place, listen to the music of Mali and that region of the world. It'll take your breath away, it's so full of life.

Richard