Markus James & The Wassonrai–Saturday, November 19

Singer-songwriter Markus James (website here) has traveled to Mali, West Africa, ten times, and recorded five critically-acclaimed albums of original music with traditional musicians at the source of the ancient roots of Blues. He also produced the award-winning documentary film “Timbuktoubab,” seen on many PBS stations around the country (here’s the film trailer). Markus has enlisted pre-eminent West African musicians based in the US for several tours and festival appearances, including at Lincoln Center.

The Wassonrai, combining the names of two tribal groups Markus collaborated with in his recordings and performances in Mali (including 3 years at the legendary Festival in the Desert outside Timbuktu), features Mamadou Sidibe (kamele N’goni) and Amadou Camara (gongoma, bolon). This is cross-pollinating, genre-bending music at its best.

“James evokes the spirit of the blues in these tracks, connecting with a vibe that’s as ancient as Timbuktu itself. Every song is a piece of magic that will work its own spell.” Billboard Magazine

Upcoming shows:

Radim Zenkl, Saturday December 3

Beverly Smith & John Grimm, Saturday December 10

Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms, Friday, January 6

Runa, Thursday, January 19