Page 134 - VH Magazine N°187 - Novembre & Décembre 2020

dOLCE VITA I I Close Up

Burroughs is set in Tangier.
It is a metropolis, bustling with life.
The Kasbah is the ancient palace
that overlooks the sea. The walls
have been bleached by the sun over
centuries. Cats creep through alleys,
guardians of the city. The old quarter
has a maze-like edge. The crowded
markets showcase fresh fish and the
proliferation of all sorts of fragrances
in the air from local shops. The Stones
enjoyed listening to the music that fills
the streets of the White City.
They were regulars at Café Baba,
which has sat above the medina
for the last 76 years. Photos of the
Western hippies decorate the walls
of the café. There is a photograph of
Keith Richards lighting up a pipe at
one of the tables. Jagger continues
to visit Tangier to this day. He usually
stays with friends on the fashionable
Old Mountain and often buys jewelry
in the Souk.

the returN Of the
PrOdigAl sONs
In 1989, the Rolling Stones traveled
to Morocco for a three-day visit. Mick
Jagger brought his girlfriend, the
American model, and actress Jerry
Hall. The atmosphere is light and friendly. to London. He cancels all tour plans
The Rolling Stones had received a A photo of Brian Jones still hangs for 1980. He describes how the master
letter from the Master Musicians of in the hall where they play. Jagger musicians could play non-stop, for
Joujouka. The musicians asked if they himself succumbs to the trance. The days and nights on end. Their stamina
could play with the band. In response, creative process explodes between was tenacious.
the Rolling Stones send a tape of the the two groups of musicians. Mick Ronnie Wood revealed how they loved
early version of "Continental Drift" void plays with the drummers himself, to hang around Tangier, listening to
of any lyrics. donning a djellaba. He conducts an other music. This inspired the Stones
At the Palais Ben Abbou in the Kasbah entrancing rhythm. It is a frenzy of to integrate international forms of
of Tangier, the Rolling Stones greet thundering drums in unison, quic- music from around the world.
members of the Master Musicians of kening in pace. The return of the Rolling Stones to
Joujouka. The Kasbah Palace was a The Master Musicians of Joujouka are Morocco was a beautiful experience.
fitting location for the Kings of Rock. quick learners. They do not need an They wandered around the ancient
The Rolling Stones record with the introduction - only a burning urge to cities of the country, absorbing the
Master Musicians of Joujouka. The get down to business. The pipes kick music and taking everything in.
scene gives birth to the 1989 track in, creating a hypnotic sound. It is the There was a sort of historical conti-
"Continental Drift" from the Steel fusion of two cultures - two forms of nuity to the visit as two groups share
Wheels album. The song integrates music entwined. meals and discuss their travels. It is
the ancient rhythms of the pipes and Jagger, once again, seduced by the a reunion between old friends in the
drums of Joujouka. charm of Morocco, sends word back adopted home of rock legends.

134 VH magazine Novembre & Décembre 2020