Dembo Konte - Gambian Griot Kora Duets - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Recorded in Accra, Ghana, in 1976, Kora Music from the Gambia is a collection of songs performed on the Kora, a 21-string bridge harp used by the Mandinka people of northwestern Africa. Foday Musa Suso is a member of the hereditary Jali social class, and, as ethnomusicologist Roderic Knight explains, that means he is both a historian and a musician InchFor example, praises and genealogy were incorporated into songs, and oral history was told to the accompaniment of instrument music. Inch Suso's selections on this album range from traditional stories from the Mali Empire (InchTira MakanInch) to a contemporary song from the Gambia that refers to the 1960s moon landing missions (InchApolloInch). Liner notes include a detailed description and history of kora music in the Gambia and track notes.

This product is an authorized manufactured on demand CD-R

Not surprising, given the proximity of the Wolof homeland to Saharan caravan routes, Wolof music is an intermingling of native West African styles with those of Muslim North Africa. Percussion instruments are featured prominently in Wolof music, as is the halam, believed to be the grandfather of the American banjo. Tracks include songs of praise, wedding songs, and dance rhythms. Liner notes feature photographs of Wolof musicians as well as descriptions of instruments and songs.