Rachid Taha Live

Rachid Taha rules the rai music scene with a hip sound that gathers up both the desert rhythms of North African traditional music and the unbridled energy of rock and electronic dance music. A genuine global star, Taha plays to the masses in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and some Americans have been lucky enough to see this galvanizing performer in midsize clubs. In either setting there is a heady atmosphere of a wild Algerian frat party that is barely under control. Recorded during a single show in Brussels while touring behind the excellent Made in Medina (five of the set's 11 songs are from this album), Live features great tunes performed by Taha's working band and a few special guests. Live also captures the essence of the Taha performance. Sometimes bantering good-naturedly with the crowd in French, sometimes whipping them into a cheering frenzy, Taha proves that he is the consummate entertainer. This album is what live music is all about--great music, good times, and hanging out with people. --Tad Hendrickson