Composer: Seckou Keita
Performer: Seckou Keita
Orchestra: BBC Concert Orchestra
Conductor: Mark Heron
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Claves
Catalogue: CD3078
Release: 2023
Size: 1.21 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
African Rhapsodies
01. The Future Strings Variation
02. Simply Beautiful Miro
03. Tatono’s Path
04. Ode to Kanou
05. Tamala’s Caravan Trail
06. The Shadow Left by the Invisible Man
07. Missing You Forever
08. L’Épopée Mande-Arab
09. Distance, a Bird’s Eye View
10. Bamba, the Light of Touba
Nottingham based Senegalese composer and kora player Seckou Keita is proud to present African Rhapsodies: an epic project created in collaboration with Italian composer and musician Davide Mantovani, due to be released via Swiss label Claves Records in May. African Rhapsodies is an enchanting, kora-led work, enhanced by the power of The BBC Concert Orchestra. In this inspiring blend of African music with orchestral arrangements, the traditional West African 22 stringed harp takes pride of place perfectly where the violin, piano or flute may have been. This rare blend of traditions and the synergy that it achieves makes one wonder if Bach, Beethoven or even St?phane Grappelli might have composed for kora had they travelled to Africa in their lifetime. Seckou has released12 albums as a leader and co-leader. Through this work, he has earned numerous accolades including three Songlines Music Awards, and several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including 2019 Musician of the Year. ‘I don’t know if I’m a folk musician, a jazz or a world one,’ he said at the time. ‘Forget about categories. My music is just music to be listened to – it’s good music for the soul and no matter your feelings, if you’re sad or happy, it will fit in. It’s a healing process.’