Friday, April 01, 2011
Afro Roots World Music Festival Coming to Miami on April 16th
One of the most exciting world music events of the year will be in Miami on April 16th: the 13th Annual Afro Roots World Music Festival.The festival will feature the Haitian Rara & Caribbean sounds of Boukman Eksperyans; Locos Por Juana with Special Guest Rocky Dawuni; The Spam Allstars with Special Guest Papa Malick Faye; and Jahfe plus DJ Moses and live painting by Lebo.
That's a dynamite lineup. For more than a decade this festival has been one of the premier world music events in the US, with a special emphasis on cutting-edge African and Caribbean sounds. A definite must-see if you live in the area, and a great excuse to head to Miami if you don't.
Download or listen to some special free sample tracks from Locos Por Juana ("AfroSound"), Rocky Dawuni ("Download the Revolution"), The Spam Allstars ("Agua de Poco") and Jahfe ("Solution").
More on the festival and its history:
Community Arts and Culture presents the 13th Annual Afro Roots World Music Festival, Celebrating 13 years of serving Miami Dade County with quality programs, this festival has been noted by some as the longest running world music festival in Miami. The festival has been able to expand its reach beyond local South Florida artists by bringing in performers from African countries such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, and the Republic of Congo. This global connection through music has helped the festival evolve into one of Miami’s most culturally diverse events.
13th Annual Afro Roots World Music Festival
Saturday, April 16
5:00pm – 3:00am
7 Circuit Studio, 228 NE 59 St. Miami FL
$10 Presale on Brown Paper Tickets .com/ $15 at the Door
$10 Presale on Brown Paper Tickets .com/ $15 at the Door
Children Under 12: $5 at the door
On Saturday The Afro Roots World Music Festival main event will include the high energy sounds of Grammy Nominated group Boukman Eksperyans fusing traditional Haitian and Caribbean rhythms with rock and reggae. Also featured are Miami’s beloved Latin Urban Orchestra, Locos Por Juana who will be joined on stage by Ghana’s international music star, Rocky Dawuni. Also performing are the Spam Allstars who’s blend of Electro Descarga will be joined by the sounds of Senegalese Percussion Master Papa Malick Faye. Finally, kicking things off this year is Jahfe , an act that fuses roots reggae with many other genres including rock, dub, soul and R&B, creating a unique blend of organic sounds. World renowned painter and Miami native, LEBO, will be painting live to the music, and DJ MOSES will be spinning the sounds of the world in between sets.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Ladysmith Black Mambazo in DC!
Legendary South African choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo comes to Washington, DC's Lisner Auditorium on Thursday, March 10th.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo create a joy-infused environment everywhere they sing the complex and harmonious songs developing out of the South African Isicathamiya tradition. The Grammy-Winning all-male choir, launched to international fame by Paul Simon's Graceland, has married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music for more than forty years.
Tickets are $25, $35, $45, $55, available from :
www.ticketmaster.com, Lisner Box Office, or 202-397-SEAT
Lisner Auditorium, 21st and H Streets NW, Washington DC.
Info: www.lisner.org or 202-994-6800
"The voices ... share deep, resonant chords, hummed or shouted or swooped, in joyous crescendos or a velvety hush; they answer gentle exhortations from Ladysmith's leader or propel his solos with rhythmic riffs, or sing along behind him with rich unanimity. Onstage, the group matches its harmonies with dance steps, kicking and soft-shoeing."
- The New York Times
- The New York Times
Monday, February 21, 2011
Best Fela Video: Live in Berlin 1978 DVD
by David McDavitt
Surfacing mysteriously after over 30 years, the video footage of Fela and African 70’s set at the Berlin Jazz Festival (Berliner Jazztage) in 1978 is a true gift to lovers of Fela and Afrobeat, marking the best quality video/audio and musical performance of Fela to date. Seek it on Youtube if you must, but true fans will want to obtain a DVD copy to witness this event in its full splendor uncompressed, large, and with full sonic spectrum (hook this puppy through your sound system). Plus you will see the songs unbroken, with Fela’s informative introductions:
Surfacing mysteriously after over 30 years, the video footage of Fela and African 70’s set at the Berlin Jazz Festival (Berliner Jazztage) in 1978 is a true gift to lovers of Fela and Afrobeat, marking the best quality video/audio and musical performance of Fela to date. Seek it on Youtube if you must, but true fans will want to obtain a DVD copy to witness this event in its full splendor uncompressed, large, and with full sonic spectrum (hook this puppy through your sound system). Plus you will see the songs unbroken, with Fela’s informative introductions:
DVD and double CD set:
Fela Kuti, Anthology vol.2 (2CD, plus DVD) , Wrasse 2010
**Import (Europe)- make sure your TV can play PAL
1978 was a year full of historically significant events in the turbulent life of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela was not performing locally, the Nigerian government had banned Fela shows for a year, and neighboring Ghana kicked him out after protestors adopted Fela’s “Zombie” in anti-government protests.
February, in anti-colonial cultural protest, he married 27 wives (his “Queens”) in Lagos. He and his republic staged a 78-day sit-in protest in the Decca Record company Lagos headquarters for breach of contract and royalty disagreements (Fela’s show in Berlin is the only reason they left). In April, Fela’s mother died of injuries she sustained during a government raid on Fela’s Kalakuta compound.
Fela Kuti, Anthology vol.2 (2CD, plus DVD) , Wrasse 2010
**Import (Europe)- make sure your TV can play PAL
1978 was a year full of historically significant events in the turbulent life of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela was not performing locally, the Nigerian government had banned Fela shows for a year, and neighboring Ghana kicked him out after protestors adopted Fela’s “Zombie” in anti-government protests.
February, in anti-colonial cultural protest, he married 27 wives (his “Queens”) in Lagos. He and his republic staged a 78-day sit-in protest in the Decca Record company Lagos headquarters for breach of contract and royalty disagreements (Fela’s show in Berlin is the only reason they left). In April, Fela’s mother died of injuries she sustained during a government raid on Fela’s Kalakuta compound.
In November (or September according to some sources), Fela & Afrika 70 headlined the Berlin Jazz Festival, while back home in Nigeria, government forces demolished the Kalakuta compound. Shortly thereafter, Afrika 70 disbanded, after Fela’s longtime musical director/drummer Tony Allen quit, reportedly due to pay, autonomy, and respect issues (for example, Fela decided to use the Berlin Jazz money to fund his presidential campaign). Fela’s baritone saxophonist, Lenkan Animashaun (a.k.a. Baba Ani) assumed the duties of musical director of Fela's new Egypt 80 band.
Berlin Jazz 1978 was a landmark concert for Fela: a rare, high-quality, professionally recorded document of Afrika 70’s final show! The venue is in the round, and although there are few camera angles, close-ups and smart democratic focus on most band members is satisfying (though Allen is not covered quite as much as his importance commands). Songs are true Afrobeat length (approximately 15 minutes each). Solos are as strong as ever, this is Afrika 70 at their apex.
Musically, the band is tight, vocals are solidly accurate, and the groove is a stunning demonstration of the highest level of musicianship, control, and stage presence. The band is animated, engaging, and amusing (guitarists Kologbo & Shegun, and the percussionist Abayomi brothers are particularly entertaining). Dynamics are extreme and hits are thrillingly precise. The polyrhythmic percussion propels with bubbling tension and release, and contains the sonic interest of woody melodic gbedu (akuba).
In light of the band's brilliance and infectious energy, it is puzzling and vexing that the live audience does not react much. They do not stand, nor dance, mostly sitting watching, stroking their beards, exclaiming, "hmmm, indeed." Odd.
The video and audio quality is the best I have ever seen for a Fela concert. The mix is remarkable for the era and enormity of the band. The video is crisp and well lit, with white stage lights always on. Not particularly mood-inducing, but perfect to witness Afrika 70's band members playing, who are too often buried in the murky darkness. The band is perfectly tailored in bright yellow, with the chorus members donning complimentary purple. Fela is stunning in a yellow/dark blue brocaded jumpsuit.
Tony Allen plays an uncharacteristically large single-headed Rogers drum set, with dark Evans Hydraulic drumheads.
Quincy Joppes sums it up in his introduction: "We present to you today, the greatest thing that ever came out of Africa... Fela and the Afrika 70... an experience of real African music...you will see something very original politically, religiously, and musically.”
Berlin Jazz 1978 was a landmark concert for Fela: a rare, high-quality, professionally recorded document of Afrika 70’s final show! The venue is in the round, and although there are few camera angles, close-ups and smart democratic focus on most band members is satisfying (though Allen is not covered quite as much as his importance commands). Songs are true Afrobeat length (approximately 15 minutes each). Solos are as strong as ever, this is Afrika 70 at their apex.
Musically, the band is tight, vocals are solidly accurate, and the groove is a stunning demonstration of the highest level of musicianship, control, and stage presence. The band is animated, engaging, and amusing (guitarists Kologbo & Shegun, and the percussionist Abayomi brothers are particularly entertaining). Dynamics are extreme and hits are thrillingly precise. The polyrhythmic percussion propels with bubbling tension and release, and contains the sonic interest of woody melodic gbedu (akuba).
In light of the band's brilliance and infectious energy, it is puzzling and vexing that the live audience does not react much. They do not stand, nor dance, mostly sitting watching, stroking their beards, exclaiming, "hmmm, indeed." Odd.
The video and audio quality is the best I have ever seen for a Fela concert. The mix is remarkable for the era and enormity of the band. The video is crisp and well lit, with white stage lights always on. Not particularly mood-inducing, but perfect to witness Afrika 70's band members playing, who are too often buried in the murky darkness. The band is perfectly tailored in bright yellow, with the chorus members donning complimentary purple. Fela is stunning in a yellow/dark blue brocaded jumpsuit.
Tony Allen plays an uncharacteristically large single-headed Rogers drum set, with dark Evans Hydraulic drumheads.
Quincy Joppes sums it up in his introduction: "We present to you today, the greatest thing that ever came out of Africa... Fela and the Afrika 70... an experience of real African music...you will see something very original politically, religiously, and musically.”
He introduces the members of Afrika 70:
Afrika 70 Band Personnel, 1978:
Fela Kuti- Hammond Organ/ percussion/ vocals
Tony Allen- Musical Director/Drum set
Lenkan Animashaun (Baba Ani)- Baritone Sax
Christopher Uwaifor- Tenor Sax
Ogene Kologbo- Tenor Guitar
Shegun (Leke Benson?)- Rhythm Guitar
Oye Shobowale- 1st Trumpet
Tunde (Baba Tunde) Williams- Trumpet.
Franco Aboddy- Bass Guitar
Henry “Ojo” Kofi- 1st Conga (Gbede)
Shina Abiodun- 2nd Conga
Addo Nettey- 3rd Conga
Ayola Abayomi- Sticks/Claves
Isaac Abayomi- Shekere
Chorus (unintroduced, but may include):
Bernadette Oghomienor- Chorus
Tejumade Adebiyi- Chorus
Sade Shehindemi- Chorus
Regina Osundor- Chorus
Felicia Idonije- Chorus
Suru Eriomila- Chorus
The songs on the Fela live in Berlin (1978) DVD :
1. V.I.P (Vagabonds In Power)
Fela introduces V.I.P., “Look at me as something new, something you have never seen before...99.9% of the information you get about Africa in wrong...V.I.P.means ‘Very Important Personality’...but you see, when these VIP get too rich, they do not want to see the ordinary man on the street who is poor.” Fela chastises audience members for talking while he is introducing the song.
2. Power Show
Introduction- “I am going to stand for presidency of my country next year... Somebody ask me, ‘how can a musician be a president’, and I ask him how can a lawyer be a politician?... The big man, like to use power to strike you down... the African concept of music, where jazz originated...” This performance is quite a rollicking rock version.
3. Pansa Pansa
Introduction- “You see when you are a revolutionary and you talk the truth... people will come and slap you down... then you talk again, they put you in jail... and when you are very strong, and you talk again, they may kill you, they may even burn your house down.... African people are afraid for life... they say, ‘do not talk again’.... but they no hear at all, they going to hear Pansa Pansa (more and more...) because the truth can never die”. Pansa Pansa is a wicked fast Afrobeat groove. The bass guitar is a little low in the mix here- crank your bass settings for maximum funk. Watch for the percussionist helping the guitarist adjust his settings mid song! Pansa Pansa recounts some of Fela’s revolutionary hits, then directs some audience participation. Look for Fela’s organ solo surrounded by his percussionists and guitarists striking photogenic poses around him.
4. Cross Examination of the African Colonial Soldier
Cross Examination imagines putting the "African colonial soldier" on trial (Nkruma as judge, Fela as prosecutor, JK Braimah as defense).
Fela introduces V.I.P., “Look at me as something new, something you have never seen before...99.9% of the information you get about Africa in wrong...V.I.P.means ‘Very Important Personality’...but you see, when these VIP get too rich, they do not want to see the ordinary man on the street who is poor.” Fela chastises audience members for talking while he is introducing the song.
2. Power Show
Introduction- “I am going to stand for presidency of my country next year... Somebody ask me, ‘how can a musician be a president’, and I ask him how can a lawyer be a politician?... The big man, like to use power to strike you down... the African concept of music, where jazz originated...” This performance is quite a rollicking rock version.
3. Pansa Pansa
Introduction- “You see when you are a revolutionary and you talk the truth... people will come and slap you down... then you talk again, they put you in jail... and when you are very strong, and you talk again, they may kill you, they may even burn your house down.... African people are afraid for life... they say, ‘do not talk again’.... but they no hear at all, they going to hear Pansa Pansa (more and more...) because the truth can never die”. Pansa Pansa is a wicked fast Afrobeat groove. The bass guitar is a little low in the mix here- crank your bass settings for maximum funk. Watch for the percussionist helping the guitarist adjust his settings mid song! Pansa Pansa recounts some of Fela’s revolutionary hits, then directs some audience participation. Look for Fela’s organ solo surrounded by his percussionists and guitarists striking photogenic poses around him.
4. Cross Examination of the African Colonial Soldier
Cross Examination imagines putting the "African colonial soldier" on trial (Nkruma as judge, Fela as prosecutor, JK Braimah as defense).
**Cross Examination contains extended masterful solo work by drummer Tony Allen- leading Fela’s wives/ dancers in provocative displays!
If you purchase the DVD, you get the bonus of 2 CD’s or Fela’s best:
CD Track list
CD1
1. Expensive Shit
2. He Miss Road
3. Everything Scatter
4. Ikoyi Blindness
5. Kalakuta Show
6. Na Poi (1975 Version)
CD2
1. Colonial Mentality
2. Zombie
3. Unknown Soldier
4. Coffin For Head Of State (Part 2)
5. Africa Centre Of The World
Get it!
If you purchase the DVD, you get the bonus of 2 CD’s or Fela’s best:
CD Track list
CD1
1. Expensive Shit
2. He Miss Road
3. Everything Scatter
4. Ikoyi Blindness
5. Kalakuta Show
6. Na Poi (1975 Version)
CD2
1. Colonial Mentality
2. Zombie
3. Unknown Soldier
4. Coffin For Head Of State (Part 2)
5. Africa Centre Of The World
Get it!
Check out The Shrine's breakdown of Fela's DVD releases! (news, bios, shows...)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Nightingale of Mali’s North
By Victor Crisen“I am the ambassador for Timbuktu” reveals Khaira Arby on an NPR interview. A relative star by her teenage years, Khaira Arby is a modern force for the bestowment of Malian traditional music with a modern sensibility. Inspired and mentored by her cousin Ali Farka Toure, whom Khaira sang with in her twenties, Khaira is advancing the reach of Malian music, as well as evolving the fusion of Malian and American music. An unreleased recording from the era of their collaboration in the mid eighties can be found at the amazing blog site http://blogs.voanews.com/african-music-treasures/music/, along with a wealth of other fantastic recordings.
Timbuktu Tarab, is Khaira Arby’s most recent and international album.
Released in August of 2010, it features a host of fine musicians, naturally including her band, which is comprised of fairly young and even some familial talent from Timbuktu who play with a fiery urgency. Instruments featured include the modern electric band outfit, but also features a nice mix of ngoni, njarka, sokou, and calabash. The album finds Khaira singing in several languages indigenous to this Saharan region of Africa: Songhai, Tamaschek, Bambara, and Arabic.
Released in August of 2010, it features a host of fine musicians, naturally including her band, which is comprised of fairly young and even some familial talent from Timbuktu who play with a fiery urgency. Instruments featured include the modern electric band outfit, but also features a nice mix of ngoni, njarka, sokou, and calabash. The album finds Khaira singing in several languages indigenous to this Saharan region of Africa: Songhai, Tamaschek, Bambara, and Arabic.
Although modern character and inevitably, production are evident throughout, of special significance is the song Tarab. After a profound musical encounter on a rooftop in Timbuktu, the band Sway Machine and Khaira Arby have made a bridge of communality, resulting in rewarding proliferation. Sway Machine is fronted by New York’s Jeremiah Lockwood, who has explored the musical revelations of his Jewish background, of blues, and other music in Balkan Beat Box. His partners include musicians from Barbez, Arcade Fire, and Antibalas.Khaira Arby and Sway Machinery have appeared at the Festival of the Desert 2010, and have appeared together in a live setting several times.
Timbuktu Tarab, is quite effectively a great album. Go check it out and be prepared to experience the sweet riffs and vocal command of Tarab. This song just Kicks It!
Labels: Mali Music
Thursday, December 30, 2010
See FELA! The Musical (London) in Movie Theaters!
For those unfortunate souls who missed the run of “FELA! The Musical” on or off broadway, we have wonderful news: The London run of “FELA! The Musical” will broadcast via theaters , late January, 2011.
“NT Live performances are filmed at the National Theatre in high definition and broadcast via satellite to 300 cinemas and performing arts centres in 22 countries, live in Europe and some US cities, and time-delayed in countries further afield…
NT Live events are distributed outside the U.K. through New York-based BY Experience, Inc, the pioneer of global live "alternative content" digital cinema events. For more information visit www.byexperience.net
For a full list of participating locations and ticket information visit” HERE.
“NT Live performances are filmed at the National Theatre in high definition and broadcast via satellite to 300 cinemas and performing arts centres in 22 countries, live in Europe and some US cities, and time-delayed in countries further afield…
NT Live events are distributed outside the U.K. through New York-based BY Experience, Inc, the pioneer of global live "alternative content" digital cinema events. For more information visit www.byexperience.net
For a full list of participating locations and ticket information visit” HERE.
Labels: African Music, Afrobeat, Broadway, Fela Kuti Lyrics Afrobeat, Will Smith
Thursday, June 17, 2010
FELA on Broadway wins 3 Tony Awards®
FELA on Broadway no get enemy. In fact it has the enthusiastic support of the popular masses, and now official recognition from the Tony Awards®.
Best Choreography: Bill T. Jones
Best Costume Design: Marina Draghici
Best Sound Design: Robert Kaplowitz
Everybody say, "Yeah Yeah!"
Best Choreography: Bill T. Jones
Best Costume Design: Marina Draghici
Best Sound Design: Robert Kaplowitz
Everybody say, "Yeah Yeah!"
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Let's Hear it For Bootsy Collins
Monday, May 24, 2010
“FELA! on Broadway” Original Cast Recording
TRACKS:
1. Everything Scatter
2. Yellow Fever
3. Trouble Sleep
4. Teacher Don't Teach Me Nonsense
5. Lover
6. Upside Down
7. Expensive Shit
8. I. T. T. / Pipeline
9. Water Get no Enemy / Egbe Mi O
10. Shuttering and Shmiling
11. Zombie
12. Na Poi
13. Sorrow and Tears and Blood
14. Dance of the Orishas
15. Shine
16. Coffin Head of State
BAND:
· Stuart Bogie—Tenor Saxophone
· Dylan Fusillo—Percussion
· Greg Gonzalez—Drums
· Alex Harding—Baritone Saxophone
· Jordan McLean—Trumpet
· Oren Bloedow—Guitar
· Ricardo Quinones—Guitar
· Yoshihiro Takemasa—Percussion
· Jeremy Wilms—Bass & Keys
VOCALS:
Sahr Ngaujah as Fela
Lilias White as Funmalayo,
Saycon Sengbloh as Sandra Izadore
Arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Chopteeth and Funk Ark in Virginia!
Great show tonight at Jammin Java outside of Washington, DC in Vienna, VA: Chopteeth and Funk Ark. If you're in the area, hope you can make it!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
By Marc Bruner
Bassekou has done stellar work for many years, on many albums, with Toumani Diabate, Ali Farka Toure, Oumou Sangare, Taj Mahal and Bela Fleck. So I've long known about his artistry on the ngoni. But with his own group he gets to show how talented a composer and arranger he is. The music is traditional, yet it's forward-thinking.
But the albums could not prepare me for the live show. Endless funky jamming that had the crowd moving from start to finish, with Bassekou setting the groove and none other than Taj Mahal in the first row right next to me, dancing, singing, and yelling with joy. At one point Bassekou was explaining to the crowd what an ngoni was, and Taj yelled out "It's the African banjo!" It was a great night and the level of energy and musicianship was unparalleled.
I'm already craving the next release, the next tour. Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba. Wow.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Steve McQueen Fela Film in Production
By David McDavitt
No doubt in great thanks to “Fela!” on Broadway’s success, now Afrobeat fans will be treated to another miracle, a Fela Hollywood film!
Focus Features has hired British director Steve McQueen (“Hunger”) to direct, ad co-write the script with the award-winning, Nigeria-born playwright Biyi Bandele (adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s, “Things Fall Apart”/ Shakespeare Theater Co.).
"Fela might be the most globally influential pop artist outside the Beatles in the last 50 years," Focus Features’ James Schamus told Variety.
Everybody say, “yeah yeah!”
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Brooklyn Afrobeat Party
The Afrobeat Renaissance continues to flourish in the US.A new 13 piece afrobeat band based out of Brooklyn called Zongo Junction is hosting a monthly party called "Afro Funky" dedicated to afrobeat, funk and soul. The parties started in July at Public Assembly but are moving to a new venue. The nights are expected to grow as time goes on.
The next show is in Williamsburg (at the Cameo Gallery, a new music venue behind the lovin cup cafe on N 6th between Berry and Wythe). Participating bands are all based out of Brooklyn, and Williamburg in particular ( including Ikebe Shakedown, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, No Small Money Brass Band, Meta & The Cornerstones). Very Brooklyn-centric!
Shows typically have 3 bands and a DJ and they're charging only $5 to get in. A good deal to see 3 great bands and a DJ! The party goes from 10pm-2am
Afro Funky!
A Celebration of Afrobeat & More
Thursday, February 11
9pm - $5
Cameo Gallery
Shows typically have 3 bands and a DJ and they're charging only $5 to get in. A good deal to see 3 great bands and a DJ! The party goes from 10pm-2am
Afro Funky!
A Celebration of Afrobeat & More
Thursday, February 11
9pm - $5
Cameo Gallery
93 N. 6th St. Between Berry and Wythe
Zongo Junction
Ikebe Shakedown
The People's Champs
DJ Stylus (Brooklyn Wonderland)
Zongo Junction
Ikebe Shakedown
The People's Champs
DJ Stylus (Brooklyn Wonderland)
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Akoya Afrobeat Hits in Brooklyn: Friday, January 8
This should be a fabulous show in one of the best clubs in the country for Afrobeat!with The Revelations (featuring Tre Williams)
Southpaw
125 5th Avenue (between Sterling & St. John's)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Door 9 PM, Show 9:30
$10
Advance tickets
Southpaw
125 5th Avenue (between Sterling & St. John's)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Door 9 PM, Show 9:30
$10
Advance tickets
Saturday, January 9: Chopteeth at Rock and Roll Hotel
Great show in Washington, DC this Saturday, January 9th:
Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band with DJ Jahsonic!
The Rock & Roll Hotel
1353 H St NE
Washington, DC
(202) 388-ROCK
$15—doors open at 8:30PM
All ages
Advance tickets
The Rock & Roll Hotel
1353 H St NE
Washington, DC
(202) 388-ROCK
$15—doors open at 8:30PM
All ages
Advance tickets
Friday, December 04, 2009
New release by Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate
By Robert FoxWorld Circuit Records has announced the release of a posthumous recording by guitar legend Ali Farka Toure, teaming up with kora master Toumani Diabate. Titled "Ali and Toumani," it's due out in February 2010.
The CD will be a follow up to their first collaboration, the 2005 Grammy Award-winning "In the Heart of the Moon." Issued just before Farka Toure's passing in 2006, it was celebrated for its deep, relaxing grooves, superb musicianship and cross-cultural vibe. Mojo magazine called it "the most beautiful music on Earth."
The Guardian on the first album:
The guitarist is from the north of Mali, one of the breakthrough world music artists of the 1980s and 1990s, whose "African blues" alerted a generation of guitar-loving rock fans to the treasures that lay outside the Anglo-American faultlines of rock'n'roll. And Diabaté is from the south - a Mandé griot schooled in a tradition that can be traced back to the 13th century....We're used to world music hybrids between east and west; between electric and acoustic; and between the head and the heart. One of the distinctions of this album is that it is a hybrid of two Malian traditions that rarely meet. Though Diabaté and Touré have known and admired each other for many years, they have hardly ever played together. This gives their collaboration a special quality: it is simple yet richly detailed, spontaneous yet courteous.
Any new material from Ali Farka Toure is to be treasured, especially if it includes a collaboration with "Jimi Hendrix of the kora."
The sessions also feature Cuban bass genius Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez, who died earlier this year. Cachaito is famous around the world for his stellar performances on the Buena Vista Social Club recordings. But he also boasts decades of incredibly tasteful playing on his own solo recordings as well as on countless other seminal tracks with groups such as Orquesta Riverside and Irakere.
World Circuit has pre-released one of the tracks from the upcoming CD, "Kala Djoula," which you can listen to or purchase here. And check out this very cool video of the artists performing the song:
There's also a nice short film on the making the recording. Priceless footage: enjoy!
Afrofunk Music Forum is sponsored by Chopteeth
