FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 16TH, 2003
Where’s
the 1? Productions
NEW YORK CITY ACOUSTIC AFRICAN MUSIC SERIES HEATS UP
AS KORA MASTER BALLA TOUNKARA AND SPECIAL GUESTS CELEBRATE GRIOT TRADITIONS OF MALI
AT THE CORNELIA STREET CAFÉ FRIDAY, MAY 16TH 2003
Where’s the 1? Productions is thrilled to present New York audiences with kora music performed by master Balla Tounkara on May 16th. After a hugely successful series premier on April 5th featuring drumming from Northern Ghana, this second installment of the New York City Acoustic African Music Series moves us Northwest to Mali and the griot traditions of the great Mande Empire.
In an acknowledged turn from his more usual kora-driven performances known for innovations that fuse American and African popular musics, Balla Tounkara introduces a trio consisting of two koras and a balafon, the instruments of the jelis (griots). Joined by master musicians Yacouba Sissoko (kora) of Fula Flute fame, and Balla Kouyate (balafon, Mamadou Diabate), the trio creates a sound evoking the musical and cultural essence of their home of Kita. The elaborate melodic and rhythmic interplay created between two koras and a balafon is truly magnificent, and as Balla explains, it is a sound rarely heard in the United States.
Jelis are members of a class of hereditary artisans, professional musicians who are historians, praise singers, and storytellers. They have played a vital role in transmitting culture and knowledge since the founding of the Mande Empire by Sunjata Keita 800 years ago. Though the Mande Empire is now incorporated into the modern nation-states of Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and Gambia, jeli music is part of the living languages, cultures, and values of its people. Balla Tounkara’s heritage and musical training is immersed in this spirit. His grandfather is a jelifili, a chief of the griots. Another grandfather, Batourou Sekou Kouyate, was one of the most respected kora players of the 20th century.
Balla comes to New York City with an extensive performance background in the United States and Africa. He has shared the stage with Youssou N’Dour, Salif Keita, Jimmy Cliff, Baaba Maal, Ali Farka Toure, Oumou Sangare, Ami Koita, T.J. Wheeler, and Super Rail Band with Djelimady Tounkara. As a fixture in the Boston music scene, Balla and his band Groupe Spirit have worked to fuse African music with styles from around the world. Balla’s contagious joy and energy consistently delight audiences, and his popularity has earned him the title "Griot of Boston". He was recently featured as a part of the Putumayo World Music album Congo to Cuba.
In the acoustic and intimate setting of the Cornelia Street Café, Balla’s kora skills and powerful voice will surely affect New York audiences as they have worldwide. In joining as this trio, Balla, Yacouba, and "Little" Balla will highlight the music of Mali in a stunning and memorable performance.
The series continues June 27th with the Bernard Woma Trio, featuring master gyil musician Bernard Woma, with Valerie Naranjo, and Barry Olsen. Where’s the 1? Productions is pleased to produce and promote this African Music Series dedicated to traditional and acoustic musics from across the continent.
All shows are held at the Cornelia Street Café, 29 Cornelia Street between Bleeker and West 4th. Located at the West 4th subway stop, please call for reservations and information: 212-989-9319. Show-times are 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM, with doors opening 15 minutes prior. Tickets are $10 at the door plus a $6 drink minimum.
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