- Audio CD
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Import
- ASIN: B000028DYO
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Back in the early 1970s, a recording by kora masters Sidiki Diabate and Djelimadi Sissoko called Cordes Anciennes first brought this rich acoustic music of Mali to the world. More than 20 years later, their sons, the now world-famous Toumani Diabate and the junior Ballake Sissoko, have come together to pay tribute to their fathers with 1999's New Ancient Strings. While many of the songs come from the original repertoire, the music is all modern Mali. Toumani Diabate has toured the world as a soloist, as a member of fusion groups like Songhai (with flamenco fusionist Ketama), and he has incorporated subtle changes into his music that makes it a living affirmation of the strength of the ancient harp of Africa. Together Diabate and Sissoko explore their fathers' roots while travelling their own new routes. This is the first all-acoustic kora recording Diabate has done since his stunning Kaira, released more than 10 years prior to New Ancient Strings, and it shows a mature and forward-looking artist that would make the elder Diabate proud. --Louis Gibson
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Listening to Toumani Diabaté's NEW ANCIENT STRINGS is the next best thing to sitting in the audience of one of his concerts in Bamako (the capital of Mali and Toumani's hometown). Toumani has become one of the world's leading interpreters of the 'kora', a 21-string, traditional African harp-lute, which originates in Mali. The string arrangements around the body of the instrument and along the long neck make it a complex instrument to play. At the same time, it allows the musician to create complex harmonies ideally suited for a solo instrument. It was the favourite instrument at the courts of the kingdoms of Mali, going back to at least the 13th century.
The melodies in this collection, passed down from the rich Malian music traditions are newly interpreted by Toumani. Both he and Ballade Sissoko, who accompanies him, are sons of two outstanding Malian musicians, revered till today across all of West Africa. The techniques and interpretations have evolved since then and are still changing and adapting to popular styles. NEW ANCIENT STRINGS is a completely instrumental collection of these traditional Malian tunes and rhythms, most going back to the eighteenth century. They will not be well known to the listener outside West Africa but the interpretations by Toumani make them easily accessible to the unaccustomed ear. The virtuosity of the players enables the music to flow in beautiful rhythms and brings out emotional depth as well as playful harmonies.
NEW ANCIENT STRINGS is not only a great introduction to West African music it is also a great addition for everybody who enjoys traditional solo instrumental music of lute, guitar or harp. [Friederike Knabe]
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
My favourite album of 2000 and one which confirms the continuing maturity of Toumani Diabate and his lyrical style of kora playing. Check out his first solo album which is also most impressive, as well as his willingness to blend with Western music, such as on the brilliant Kulanjan and the Songhai albums.
If you get the opportunity to see him, go.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
master of the kora
This album is probably the best instrumental album in my collection. The rythams are wonderful and really get my foot tapping!A truly magnificent album.
Published 1 month ago by roger
Mesmerising musical genius
What a delight, what dexterity, what musicianship! I love this album, and when I listen to it my mind soars to its beauty. Buy it and love it!
Published 2 months ago by J Le Sueur
Fantastic
This man can play the Kora as nobody else. it's heavenly music. Since I know this guy I go to every concert of him in my country and I buy each record.
Published 14 months ago by Dany
harping on
This is a lovely sound. I like the first track best. After that it pretty much stays in the same groove forever. Read more
Published on 2 Mar 2010 by Dr. Mh Allerhand
Beautiful
The most exciting African discovery I have made since my adventures into the continent's music began a decade or so ago. Read more
Published on 21 Jan 2009 by J. E. Holden
Beautiful....
Quite simply, this is the most beautiful music on earth. You must own this album. Enough said.
Published on 16 Sep 2005 by Mr Genius Eyes
Music of wonderful purity and sparkle.....just listen.,
If you want to listen to instrumental music of the finest order,I commend this to you.
A rich and warm experience
Published on 13 Oct 2000
An instrumental album of virtuoso kora playing
The artists recorded this album in the shadows of their respective fathers who combined on the original 'Ancient Strings' at the heights of their own powers. Read more
Published on 15 Feb 2000 by B. A. Woodhouse
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