King Kora
Bundung
© 2005 KING KORA / AYAM (634479138119)
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The unique Afro-Swiss Griot Orchestra channels on their second CD the experiences of their adventurous tour through Senegal and the Gambia. They mix filigree and proud kora playing with straightforward, swinging rhythms, with intricate mbalax
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Kora is King. In earlier times when kings ruled West Africa, the kora, a 21 string bridge-harp, was the instrument which accompanied the royal storytellers (griot). Now that the kings are dead or in early retirement the band has decided to sit the kora on the empty throne and to let it play with a joyful band of many colours.
After their successful debut in 2001 the unique Afro-Swiss griot orchestra KING KORA presents its new opus. Founded in 1998 by Gambian griot master Lamin Jobarteh and Aeronauten's sax player Roger Greipl, the nine musicians use their second CD "Bundung" to channel the experiences of an adventurous voyage through Senegal and the Gambia. Starting with the myth of the giant snake called Mini Amba they mix filigree and proud kora playing with straightforward, swinging rhythms, ranging from festive mbalax to laid-back Afro-reggae and pumping zouk. The tight horn section delivers furious soul and funk accents, taking turns with the moving griot chant. The arpeggios of the kora conjugates with the swing of the horns.
Prominent guests complete the line-up: The queen of Guinean chant, Maciré Sylla, contributes with her earthy alto voice. Urban soul timbres are introduced by Zurich newcomers Namusoke and Alina Amuri. And surprisingly enough, first class rapper Greis from Berne is featured as the myth teller.
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Great Music!!
author: chris woodsI really enjoyed this disc. Lots of great groove beats.
A seriously good fusion of West African Mbalax, Kora, Funk and Horns!
author: Max ImumIv'e been listening to West African music for a many years and when it comes to fusing it with European styles, it usually suffers.....but not here! This is truly a superlative album with wonderful musicians, singers and rap, and the silky but funky arrangements are a real joy! Obviously written with love, recorded and mixed with care, this is a highly reccommended treat for your ears and spirit.....I danced my ass off!!! (Wish it was available in England)
Smoooooooth...
author: BenjaminOne could only wish what passes for pop music in gambia would have at least the same status in the US. This cd truly deserves wider recognition for its nice blending of the kora with a modern jazz/instrumental ska setup.
Everybody, do the Kora!
author: Joe NachisonJust a bunch of guys playing and singing some sharp Gambian-style pop music, with solos on the kora (if I'm getting this correctly: an African harp that sounds like its Celtic sibling but, in this context, ROCKS). Heavy percussion, big brass, funky bass and cool call-and-response singing in (I'm guessing) the Gambian tongue, where they COULD be saying "all white devils must die", but it sounds so good you don't care (one song is in English, one contains some mercifully brief rapping in French). Be sure to check out the third cut, "Sylla", my personal pick of the litter.