August 1, 2024

The undisputed master of the kora

Toumani Diabaté, the undisputed master of the kora, the most important classical instrument of West Africa, passed away on July 19 at age 58.  A 72nd generation griot whose ancestors have been poets, musicians and storytellers since the time of the Mande empire, Toumani introduced listeners from all parts of the globe to the ancient harmonies of the 21-stringed harp.
 
He brought his instrument decisively into the 21st century, recording the first solo kora album ever, working with musicians from across West Africa to build a new Mande musical vocabulary, and creating new traditions by jamming with artists from around the world.  The second hour of today's show is devoted exclusively to the music of Toumani Diabaté: his kora solos and duos, his West African ensembles and his cross-continental collaborations.

In Global A Go-Go's first hour this week (Sunday August 4, 1:00-3:00 PM on WRIR, for two weeks afterwards at wrir.org/listen, check your local listings for airing on other radio stations, and any old time at my podcast site), I'm joined in the studio by Brian Jones: drummer, educator and organizer of the Mingus Awareness Project.  We'll talk about the three Mingus concerts happening in Richmond next weekend, listen to music from several of the participating ensembles and hear some related brass band sounds from across the map.

 
 
Artist | Country | Song | Recording | Label | Year
 
Oliver Lake | USA | Separation | Matador Of 1st & 1st | Passin' Thru | 1997
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros | England UK | Global A Go-Go | Global A Go-Go | Hellcat | 2001
 
No BS! Brass | RVA USA | Haitian Fight Song | Fight Song: A Tribute To Charles Mingus | self-released | 2013
 
M.A.P. Trio | RVA USA | Jelly Roll | Richmond | Slang Sanctaury | 2017
 
Toby Whitaker Ensemble | RVA USA | Tijuana Gift Shop | Mingus Awareness Project 2014 | Slang Sanctaury | 2022
 
No BS! Brass | RVA USA | Better Get Hit In Your Soul | Fight Song: A Tribute To Charles Mingus | self-released | 2013
Thiago França & A Espetacular Charanga Do França | Brazil | Toxic | Toxic - Single | Mais Um | 2024
Fanfare Ciocărlia | Romania | I'm A Man | Me Sem Rom - Single | Asphalt Tango | 2024
 
Toumani Diabaté | Mali | Jarabi | Kaira | Hannibal | 1988
Toumani Diabaté with Ballaké Sissoko | Mali | Bi Lambam | New Ancient Strings | Hannibal | 1999
Toumani & Sidiki Diabaté | Mali | Bagadaji Sirifoula | Toumani & Sidiki | World Circuit | 2014
 
Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté | Mali | Sabu Yerkoy | Ali & Toumani | World Circuit | 2010
Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba | Mali | Jamana Be Diya | I Speak Fula | Sub Pop / Next Ambiance | 2009
Toumani Diabaté's Symmetric Orchestra | Mali-Senegal-Burkina Faso-Guinee Conakry | Africa Challenge | Boulevard De L'Independance | World Circuit | 2006
 
Taj Mahal & Toumani Diabaté | USA-Mali | Catfish Blues | Kulanjan | Chrysalis | 1999
Alba Griot Ensemble | Scotland UK-Mali-Belgium | The Darkness Between The Leaves | The Darkness Between The Leaves | Riverboat | 2018
AfroCubism | Mali-Cuba | Jarabi | AfroCubism | World Circuit | 2010

No comments: