Ballaké Sissoko
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Good morning.
Today we’re listening to Ballaké Sissoko, a Malian kora player. Born in 1968, he picked up the 21-stringed instrument at a young age, inspired by his father who was also a kora player.1 When Ballaké was 13, his father passed away, leaving his son an open spot in the Ensemble Instrumental National du Mali – which he took.2 In the 1990s he began putting out his own music, often inviting collaborators from around the world. We’re first playing his 2012 record, At Peace, which consists entirely of first takes and features Vincent Ségal on cello among other guests. We’re also playing his 2003 collaboration with pianist Ludovico Einaudi, Diario Mali.
At Peace - Ballaké Sissoko (40m, no vocals)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube Music / Amazon Music / Bandcamp / Tidal
Diario Mali - Ballaké Sissoko & Ludovico Einaudi (70m, no vocals)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube Music / Amazon Music / Tidal
Have a great Thursday.
Ballaké Sissoko
great recommendation. one of my favourites. The work with Vincent Ségal is sublime (a nice review here:https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jan/25/ballake-sissoko-and-vincent-segal-review-a-beautiful-cross-border-conversation)
Very pretty! A bit like Salif Keta without the singing.