Tal National hail from Niamey in Niger, the capital. Their music is joyously hypnotic and a unique contribution to West African guitarist music. The history of Niger can be heard through its lightening fast rhythms, and rotating cast vocalists. It is a cultural crossroads that runs along ancient trade routes. The former French colony contained the Songhai, Fulani and Hausa populations. All of these people are represented in Tal National’s members. The music features the rolling 12/8 rhythms of Hausa’s Fuji drums, the contemplative aridity and “blues” of the Tuaregs, and the beautiful “griot guitar”, played by Mali’s Songhai. All of these sounds are delivered with unrelenting energy and virtuoso precision. www.talnational.com
