Six Things You Should Know About Tinariwen

1. “Tinariwen” translates from the Tamasheq Tuareg language as “deserts”
2. They were formed by guitarist Ibrahim Ag Alhabib, who was originally influenced by North African chaabi and rai music as well as American rock and blues
3. Their 2011 album, Tassili, won the GRAMMY for Best World Music Album
4. When asked to describe Tinariwen’s sound, bassist Eyadou Ag Leche used the word ”assouf,” a Tamasheq word that loosely translates to “a longing and nostalgia for the desert life”
5. The band performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
6. Due to the political unrest in Mali, the band recorded their new album, Emmaar, in a different desert than their usual home in the Sahara – California’s Mojave Desert near Joshua Tree

More information about Tinariwen here.

Taj Mahal's #ThankYouJoni Video

Blues legend Taj Mahal recalls meeting Joni Mitchell a number of times over the years—stories that speak volumes to her music, and character. Joni Mitchell will be honored with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Gala on May 8th. Each week leading up to the Gala, we'll share new videos!

What would you say to Joni?

Join in on the conversation at sfjazz.org/thankyoujoni!

PHOTO: Henry Butler at SFJAZZ Center

Henry Butler in Joe Henderson Lab ©Gaby Esensten

Last night, New Orleans' Henry Butler rocked out in Joe Henderson Lab, singing the blues and flying up and down the piano. His sold out residency at the SFJAZZ Center goes all weekend long. New Orleans jazz and blues fans are still encouraged to drop by before a show for last minute ticket releases!

Late set ©Gaby Esensten

Soundcheck ©Ross Eustis

Soundcheck ©Ross Eustis

For more information on Henry Butler's 4-night run in Joe Henderson Lab, visit sfjazz.org. To see more photos of Butler and other artists at the SFJAZZ Center, check out the SFJAZZ Flickr Feed.

WATCH: At The Center ~ Mark Hummel on his 23rd Blues Harmonica Blowout

Watch as Mark Hummel runs through his 23rd annual Blues Harmonica Blowout, coming to the SFJAZZ Center on January 9-12, 2014! A Bay Area resident for four decades, Hummel has defined the West Coast blues sound, leading the Blues Survivors. Joining Hummel for this highly-anticipated series of performances is British blues legend John Mayall; guitarist Charlie Baty and the singing harp player Rick Estrin, of Little Charlie and the Nightcats; and the soulful singer and harmonica blower Curtis Salgado. This will be their only Bay Area appearance in 2014. Hop on BART on come to stomp and groove at the Center!

For more info on Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout, visit sfjazz.org. For more videos, subscribe to the SFJAZZ YouTube Channel.