Baba Sissoko - Griot Jazz (2021)

A griot in many West African countries is a storyteller, singer and musician; it could be roughly translated as troubadour. One of the best known active griots is the Malian Baba Sissoko. Through participation in an opera project in Paris, he got to know Madou Sidiki Diabate and Lansiné Kouyaté, players of the kora and balafon respectively - both traditional West African instruments. The three musicians quickly built a strong musical bond, playing together incessantly before and after opera rehearsals, even during breaks. Almost imperceptibly, the material that can be heard on the album Griot Jazz was created. They decided to look for a recording studio in Paris and ended up with keyboardist Jean-Philippe Rykiel. However, during the preparations in his studio, Rykiel also became involved in the project as a musician. For Western ears, his additions counterbalance the traditional African instruments and make the album very accessible. Griot Jazz was recorded in one day and therefore possesses a wonderful organic spontaneity.

Tracklist
01. Sini Ka Dja
02. Griot Jazz
03. Dala Manka
04. Angafoli
05. Abderrahmane
06. Griot Groove
07. Fatoumata
08. Gherena
09. Kamissoko
10. Uyaye
11. Thierno
12. Mamela
13. Dorcy
14. Nour
15. Castella