Great Kora Player (not) Coming to Ashkenaz in Berkeley
Update on May 3: Apparently the show at Ashkenaz has been cancelled. Not sure if other NorCal appearances are still on. -Matt
Madou Sidiki Diabaté, kora player from Mali, will be playing Ashkenaz on May 6. He is from an extraordinary music family, and the little brother of arguably the best kora player in the world, Toumani Diabaté. Watching this video, I can see that he not only some serious chops himself, but also an instrument of extraordinary (western?) craftsmanship:
The next week, Dusu Mali Band will be playing: “Ibrahim Kelly (nephew of Ali Farka Touré) combines his Malian roots with a Pan African fusion of jazz, blues, funk, and electric sound. Dusu Mali Band brings high energy, love, and conscious music to you.” Funky desert trance stuff:
Good couple of weeks for Malian music with a pedigree! For more great music, check the Bay Area African Music Calendar.