Song camp participant, Lorraine Duisit visited here in Nashville from August 17-19. During that time, I was able to share some music that has inspired me over the years which she also seemed to like and appreciate. She suggested that I share it with rest of the group so here it is. I hope that you find it as compelling as I have over the years.
Ballaké/Sissoko "Déli"
From Francophone West Africa (Mali), this is a unique recording by my standards. The primary instruments featured are Kora and Balafon. This showcases excellent interplay between West African Kora master Ballaké Sissoko and Aboubacar Dembélé, The production took place in a relaxed atmosphere, like a jazz session or Cuban descarga. They sometimes combined Mississppi blues with griotic Kora and Balafon tradition in a way that I have never heard before, even though there is a clear relationship between these traditions. I stumbled on to this recording by accident in a drum shop somewhere and I'm still loving it. The cover is printed in French with English translations and is on Label Bleu/Indigo.
Another favorite from Mali is by Oumou Sangare called "Ko Sira" (Road to the River). I heard it on NPR and it still effects me today as it did then. Her vocals are translucent, like filtered light. It is a hypnotic experience along with fine production from noted world music producer, Nick Gold and percussionist, Massambou Wele Diallo. This disc also features master musicians from West Africa, It uses tradition as a launching pad for modern day interpretations. Please get this disc! You won't regret it. (World Circuit/Nonesuch)
The next three discs are from Peter Gabriels' Real World label. Always featuring talented musicians that the world wouldn't hear otherwise, these artists are no exception. Kenyan singer, Ayub Ogada delivers a haunting vocal delivery accompanied mostly by an East African harp called a Nyatiti. "En Mana Kuoyo" was Ayub's first recoding with Real World in 1993 and remains one of the quintessential records of Luo artists.
Hukwe Zawose passed away over a year ago but the disc "Chibite" will always be considered a unique and riveting recording. He is accompanied by his nephew, Charles Zawose, whom he raised. They perform as duet on a traditional Tanzanian instrument called a Illimba (thumb piano) as well as traditional violins and flutes (called Filimbi). The rhythmic pulse is accented with Nguga (ankle bells). It was the Illimba that first draws you in. When I saw them at the WOMAD Festival in Seattle some years back, I was transformed on the spot to a magical place that has never quite left me. The hypnotic nature of these instruments combined with the unearthly vocal style of Hukwe presents a authentic and ancient African listening experience that is unique as it is pleasurable. Almost outer worldly. Check it out.
If you are in for a pure vocal experience, don't miss Tibetian singer, Yungchen Lhamo. Her recording, "Coming Home", is a lot like living in a dream state. Produced by Hector Zazou, the accompaniment is sparse and reflective. Every note, both sung and played, is there for a reason. This cd is dedicated to the the Dalai Lama. The title track is sung as a mantra, which is written on the disc so that your cd becomes a pray wheel. They are meant to generate loving compassion. I only hope that listening to it rubs off on me as well.
Last but certainly not least, is a different type of disc that has far reaches from the patterns of Africa. It is Steve Reich, "Music for 18 Musicians". As a player, my true love is working with color and texture in music. It doesn't get any better than "18"! This monumental piece (67'42'') was written in 1976 and builds the music around patterns of voices, keyboard percussion, clarinets, violin, cello, piano and maracas. The harmony produced is particularly overwhelming, certainly with a quality that I could best describe as a drop of music you might hear in a heavenly choir if you believe in that sort of thing. It is inspired by the 13th century Parisian master, Pérotin. It is also reminicent of Indonesian Gamelan music and has definite patterns transformations built on various African claves or foundations. If you love texture, you have to own this disc! (Nonesuch)
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