Tuareg rock with Bombino
Last year, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Bombino became the first musician from Niger ever nominated for a Grammy Award, a distinction he earned for his captivating album “Deran” (Partisan Records).
The nod for best world music album offered one more indication that this galvanizing artist is the most important new voice following in the wake of Tuareg rockers Tinariwen. Like his Saharan kinfolk, Bombino had to flee his homeland after making music supporting Tuareg independence. He’s been on the move ever since and brings his rollicking quartet to Oakland’s New Parish March 26 and The Independent in San Francisco on March 27.
The band features fellow Tuaregs Youba Dia on bass and Ilias Mohamed on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. American drummer Corey Wilhelm joined the band in 2013 and overcame the initial difficulties presented by not speaking French, Arabic or Tamasheq. He’s played a key role in the Bombino’s ongoing evolution.
“When I asked him what he was looking for from me, Bombino basically said ‘play fast and loud,’” Wilhelm wrote in an email. “Essentially, he has a relaxed attitude about keeping the music open and having fun doing it. Every concert is totally different, and he plays what he feels.”
Santa Monica multi-instrumentalist and pop craftsman Alex Siegel, who has collaborated on keyboards with the Malian guitar star Vieux Farka Touré, opens both shows.
Details: 8 p.m. March 26 at The New Parish, Oakland, $25-$30; 510-227-8177, www.thenewparish.com; 8 p.m. March 27 at The Independent, San Francisco; $28-$30; 415-771-1421, www.theindependentsf.com.