Toumani DiabatA© - New Ancient Strings

Back in the early '70s, 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 traveling 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 Amazon.com

the sound of two koras

New Ancient Strings

The sound of the kora is magical, and this album for two koras is wonderful.

You will hear the performance of two masters of the kora, and a wonderful selection of Malian music.

Diabate and Sissoko are incandescent on this recording: hightest rating. April 27, 2008

Relaxing, Amazing, Must Buy CD!

If you love the Koto, buy this CD. If you don't love the koto, buy this CD. It is amazing and you will enjoy every second of it. No exaggerations! August 31, 2007

Pure beauty

Another reviewer said that this music 'grows on you"- but on me it didn't have to. I think this is the most purely beautiful music I've ever heard (that, and certain pages of Bach and Mozart).

Even though - or because - it's desert music, it conjures up fast-flowing water at night: it's mellow, quiet, deeply relaxing, yet full of energy. I can listen to it before going to bed or while at work. I've never tried to play it when other people are around though, it strikes me as 'private moment' music. Think I might play it at my next dinner party to see whether the conversation stops!

I've been listening to West African music for years now, and it's all beautiful. But if you have to own only one CD of music from the Sahel, make it this one. March 22, 2007

CELESTIAL MELODIES!!!!!

THIS IS THE KIND OF MUSIC I EXPECT TO LISTEN TO, WHEN I GO TO HEAVEN!!!!....WELL,.......IF I END UP GOING THERE!!!
I DON'T KNOW OF A TUNE MORE HARMONIOUS, ETHEREAL AND DIVINE THAN "KITA KAIRA"......OF ALL THE EARTHLY MUSIC THAT I'VE LISTENED TO, THIS IS THE CLOSEST THING TO HEAVENLY MUSIC!!!!
"YAMFA" IS ANOTHER OUTSTANDING MELODY FROM THIS GEM!!!
FROM THE "KAIRA" ALBUM..."ALLA LA KE", "KONKOBA" AND "KAIRA", COMPLEMENT THESE MASTERPIECES OF HARMONY!!!
I JUST HAVE TO THANK GOD FOR ALLOWING ME TO LISTEN TO THIS HEAVENLY MUSIC,.....RIGHT HERE..........ON EARTH!!!
TOUMANI AND BALLAKE THE TALENTED ANGELS ON KORAS!!!

October 2, 2005

The most unique CD I own. Absolutely Magical!

Thank God for Amazon's music samples. It's impossible to describe to someone just what this plucked African string music sounds like. You have to hear it for yourself. It's absolute auditory refreshment. June 7, 2004

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