Buy anything from the World Music store and you can get the official CD from the Songlines Music Awards 2013 for just £1.99. Offer ends at 23:59 on Sunday, June 30. Learn more.
Buy anything from the World Music store and you can get the official CD from the Songlines Music Awards 2013 for just £1.99. Offer ends at 23:59 on Sunday, June 30. Learn more. |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Product Description
Review
This hypnotic masterpiece from the French label No Format is another fine example of the label's penchant for putting musicians from different musical backgrounds together in a studio and seeing what they come up with. Malian kora (harp-lute) player Ballake Sissoko and French cello player Vincent Segal got together in Salif Keita's studio Moffou in Bamako and made ten beautiful tracks for this release, which explores both the common ground shared by the two stringed instruments - as well their differences.
Most of the songs are pinned around traditional kora melodies and rhythms but Segal does well to make them his own. His cello has a husky tone that complements the clear notes of the kora, staking its claim to its own space even when the kora is setting the tune. On `Mako Mady' Segal leads the track boldly and darkly, while Sissoko follows with his characteristic lightness. On `Ma-Ma FC' the kora sets the racing melody while Segal peppers the chords with his unpredictable plucking and bowing. The deeply resonant title-track reminds us that the kora, as well as being an instrument to fill out dance bands like Salif Keita's lively ensemble or Toumani Diabate's Symmetric Orchestra, also stands on its own as an instrument that weaves a tale in its own right. Throughout the album, Sissoko creates a beautiful, calming space in which to enjoy the cello, and Segal adds texture. This is the kind of music that doesn't happen all that often. Don't miss out.
© Rose Skelton -- Songlines magazine #70 - Top of the World album review
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Ballake Sissoko is a fantastic kora player who seems to delight in blending his music with other styles or instruments.
This music is very subtle. It's calm, complex and thoughtful. The cello of Vincent Segal fits wonderfully. It's never syrupy but often adds depth and tone not available to the kora.
The album is mainly just kora and cello weaving around one another. There is a smattering of n'goni, balafon and bolon on a few tracks. There is also one track with vocals 'Regret - A Kader Barry' with Awa Sangho. And what a voice! Wow I would really like to hear more. Awa doesn't just belt it out like some of the huge voiced singers of Mali, she uses her voice in a restrained and supple way to fit the complative music.
This is fusion at it's best!
This music is very subtle. It's calm, complex and thoughtful. The cello of Vincent Segal fits wonderfully. It's never syrupy but often adds depth and tone not available to the kora.
The album is mainly just kora and cello weaving around one another. There is a smattering of n'goni, balafon and bolon on a few tracks. There is also one track with vocals 'Regret - A Kader Barry' with Awa Sangho. And what a voice! Wow I would really like to hear more. Awa doesn't just belt it out like some of the huge voiced singers of Mali, she uses her voice in a restrained and supple way to fit the complative music.
This is fusion at it's best!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By David Chaney
Format:MP3 Download|Amazon Verified Purchase
The combination of instruments and musical traditions works surprisingly well. The two players complement each other beautifully and work harmoniously to create something nourishing and inspiring. By the nature of the instruments involved this is not loud music with strong climaxes but as my heading shows something to inspire contemplation and reflection. Music of a very high order indeed.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Basket Press
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is one for those who liked the Toumani Diabate and Ali Farka Toure discs.
It inhabits a similar world, but with the obvious difference of Segal being a cellist rather than a guitarist.
I can't see anyone who liked "In the Heart of the Moon" or ""Ali and Toumani", let alone Toumani Diabate's "Mande Variations", being disappointed in this album.
It inhabits a similar world, but with the obvious difference of Segal being a cellist rather than a guitarist.
I can't see anyone who liked "In the Heart of the Moon" or ""Ali and Toumani", let alone Toumani Diabate's "Mande Variations", being disappointed in this album.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 11 reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
African music
This is a superb cd of gentle,sophisticated music played on the Cora. The addition of a cello adds an interesting bass counterpoint to the music. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr. Roy Tomkinson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quiet, and reflective kors music
If you love the kora playing of Toumani Diabate or Mansa Sissoko then you will certainly love this music. Great music to relax and chill out to. Read more
Published 2 months ago by MR C R LITTLE
4.0 out of 5 stars
String Fushion?
This album comes highly recommended in both 'Songlines' & 'Guardian' reviews, claiming 4-5 stars. Crossover or fusion can be tricky, as different instruments/styles are not always... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Sentinel
4.0 out of 5 stars
Europe & Afrika meet
A very nice mix of an European & an African musician who both on their native instruments are playing together. Read more
Published on 7 April 2011 by Peter
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
We saw these artists perform at the Barbican and were totally engaged in the music they played. Hence the next day ordered the CD! Read more
Published on 19 Mar 2011 by A. J. Ward
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning Album
I bought this c.d. having read a highly enthusiastic review in the Guardian. I was not disappointed ! Read more
Published on 30 Aug 2010 by rolfie
5.0 out of 5 stars
A refreshing change
It has been some nine years since Anouar Brahem's 'Astrakhan cafe' shook up the music industry and truly opened all our eyes to the possibilities of 'world music. Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2010 by Mr. David C. Halliday
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
- Music > Pop
- Music > World Music
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
