Since then I've seen him again, collaborating with the Irish accordion player, Sharon Shannon. And that's fairly typical of this tall, smiling man. After studying traditional kora-playing with his uncle, Solo Cissoko, Seckou has made a speciality of getting together with musicians from all over the world.
It's a mark of his undoubted musical skill and charm that all these cross-cultural fusions have produced excellent and worthwhile music. But how about if he got together with someone from a very different harping background?
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| (a screenshot from YouTube video) |
She plays both the traditional harp music of Wales and the classical repertoire. And of course she collaborates wonderfully with Seckou Keita, with whom she's released two CDs. At a time when the world is obsessed with controlling the movement of people, it seems more important than ever that we celebrate the beauty that arises when differing cultures collide.
I'm hoping to catch a live performance by the duo when they tour next year, but until then I'll have to make do with their recorded music and some sublime performances on YouTube. Do yourself a favour and set aside ten minutes of your life to listen to the two harps that beat as one.
(With thanks to Robin Andrea and Roger over at The New Dharma Bums for the inspiration to share some music every Friday).
Take care,
I find the music "quite pleasant," liked scrambled eggs, something you enjoy once in a while but you wouldn't want every day.
ReplyDeleteMr Keita has such a lovely face, he looks like he is enjoying every minute ✨
ReplyDeleteExquisite - wonderful music and incredible time keeping to be so 'together' all of the time.
ReplyDeleteMy sister is learning the harp. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWonderful music to start my day with...I'll be humming the melody all day I'm sure. They sure did a great job playing together. In the beginning I couldn't hear Seckou's playing too well, so was glad that he was featured in the mix later.
ReplyDeleteI love the harp and so admire the talent of its player.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful. I am listening as I type this and I'm so grateful to being introduced to such a sound. Yes, two harps that beat as one. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWonderful music. The harp creates a beautiful sound.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! This is a wonderful collaboration!
ReplyDeleteWonderful. It must take years to learn that harp.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed that so much, thank you.
Briony
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What a treat!! I've never heard of a kora, but it's totally cool looking, and he's clearly a master of the instrument. The blending of the harp and kora is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteQuite a collaboration!
ReplyDeleteOh, oh, oh....so love this! It is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt is a surprising that a Welsh harp and a West African kora works so well together. They make a really pleasing combination.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful, thank you for sharing this lovely music:)
ReplyDeleteyes, John, thanks for sharing this music as I was unfamiliar with these artists and this was a wonderful musical treat. I hope you do get to see them in concert.
ReplyDeleteHere's another "thank you" John! This is wonderful music. His kora is so beautifully decorated. I'm glad to know they have some cds out, and I shall look for them to download as well. I appreciate all the background information on the artists -- you've done a splendid post.
ReplyDeleteCombining the two talents is so beautiful!
ReplyDeletePretty! An interesting musical blend of cultures.
ReplyDeleteThat gives a different but pleasant sound.
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