Amassakoul 'n' Ténéré

Tinariwen, 2004, from Amassakoul. Solo by Tinariwen.

The title track of Amassakoul, built on insistent interlocking guitars that evoke long desert travel.

The title track of Amassakoul is built on insistent, interlocking guitars that evoke long desert travel, moving forward steadily rather than rushing. There is no single solo; the guitar lines weave around each other, with small melodic fills rising out of the patterns and sinking back in. The effect is hypnotic, like watching a landscape change slowly from a moving vehicle. It is a clear example of how Tinariwen use repetition as a form of expression rather than a backdrop. Listen for the subtle shifts in the guitar patterns over time; a new accent or bent note can change the mood of the whole groove without any obvious break.

Amassakoul 'n' Ténéré by Tinariwen is featured in our Desert Blues (#7) list. The solo is played by Tinariwen and the song was released in 2004.

In our lists

• The Greatest Desert Blues Guitar Songs — #7
• The Best Tinariwen Guitar Solos — #7

Sources