Amanke Dionti

Presentación del Álbum

The mix of kora -- the West African 21-string harp -- and trumpet might be unusual, but in this instance the pairing works. Ablaye Cissoko comes from a griot family, born into the caste of musicians, singers, and storytellers, while Goetze comes from more of a jazz background. This second collaboration between the two has the hushed, meditative aspect of some chamber music, allowing plenty of space between the notes. The pair is joined by percussion for "Silo," which ups the tempo a little, but this is music at a leisurely, reflective pace, introspective, where each note has value and consideration. There's great beauty in it, the musicians listening to each other and trading ideas back and forth. Goetze uses different trumpets and mutes for different textures and effects, drawing out the notes and letting them hang or putting in soft, melodic lines. Cissoko's kora and voice provide a gentle bed for it all, although he can spring out, notes rippling like a waterfall at times. It's a remarkably warm, graceful disc, one to clear the mind and inspire the senses.

© Chris Nickson /TiVo