Intriguing" Guardian ****
”Fantastic” Weekend Australian ****
" A “ gem” Jazzwise ****
Kora that rocks” Montreal Gazette
"The Hendrix of the Kora" Music News
With a big African Heart, virtuoso Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita is not to be confined to any one genre, dipping comfortably in and out of jazz, classical, Flamenco, with sometimes hints of rock and reggae. He takes us on a musical journey of imagination and human emotions. His superb musicianship, dexterity and diversity has transported audiences from any walk of life to places they had never imagined they would go.
Currently, his main work his with his Quintet. Imagine, if you will, five musicians. They are each uniquely gifted, yet able to share the same spotlight. Imagine that these musicians were not brought up playing in the same musical styles, yet somehow have created an organic sound that has relevance the world over. This is the Seckou Keita Quintet. Led by the experimental tuning of Seckou Keita himself, the music is supported by Italian bass player Davide Mantovani, eclectic percussions of Gambian artist Surahata Susso, the distinguished sound of the violin of Egyptian musician Samy Bishai and the enchanting voices of Binta Suso from the Gambia . The Seckou Keita Quintet is at its best a life-changing experience. At its worst it is just a beautiful, captivating, harmonious international treasure.
Don’t let the idea of a Kora player (an African Harpist) leading a band divert your interest, for Seckou Keita himself can be a classy alternative to any of the greatest guitarist on this planet. What continues to set the band apart is their powerful presence on stage and how well they gel together visually, sonically and spiritually. This is not surprising given the critical acclaim of their latest album “The Silimbo Passage” from the public and the media. It is really the result of continuous hard work with over 350 shows in 20 countries, perfecting their musical rapport into an “infectious live experience”.
Drumming is another important part of his work all year round. He has developped an incredible teaching method over the last 10 years and has become the most in demand drumming teacher in the UK. His drumming skills go far beyond traditional Guinean Djembe playing. He is as proficient in Senegalese percussions (Tama and Sabar), Mandinka Seourouba, and drum kit. His musical versatily and 20 years performing experience make him a drummer like no other. His less known work is producing, a field that he will certainly develop in the next few years. He has produced all his albums, as well as his family album Jalikunda Cissokho with intersting arrangement.
”Fantastic” Weekend Australian ****
" A “ gem” Jazzwise ****
Kora that rocks” Montreal Gazette
"The Hendrix of the Kora" Music News
With a big African Heart, virtuoso Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita is not to be confined to any one genre, dipping comfortably in and out of jazz, classical, Flamenco, with sometimes hints of rock and reggae. He takes us on a musical journey of imagination and human emotions. His superb musicianship, dexterity and diversity has transported audiences from any walk of life to places they had never imagined they would go.
Currently, his main work his with his Quintet. Imagine, if you will, five musicians. They are each uniquely gifted, yet able to share the same spotlight. Imagine that these musicians were not brought up playing in the same musical styles, yet somehow have created an organic sound that has relevance the world over. This is the Seckou Keita Quintet. Led by the experimental tuning of Seckou Keita himself, the music is supported by Italian bass player Davide Mantovani, eclectic percussions of Gambian artist Surahata Susso, the distinguished sound of the violin of Egyptian musician Samy Bishai and the enchanting voices of Binta Suso from the Gambia . The Seckou Keita Quintet is at its best a life-changing experience. At its worst it is just a beautiful, captivating, harmonious international treasure.
Don’t let the idea of a Kora player (an African Harpist) leading a band divert your interest, for Seckou Keita himself can be a classy alternative to any of the greatest guitarist on this planet. What continues to set the band apart is their powerful presence on stage and how well they gel together visually, sonically and spiritually. This is not surprising given the critical acclaim of their latest album “The Silimbo Passage” from the public and the media. It is really the result of continuous hard work with over 350 shows in 20 countries, perfecting their musical rapport into an “infectious live experience”.
Drumming is another important part of his work all year round. He has developped an incredible teaching method over the last 10 years and has become the most in demand drumming teacher in the UK. His drumming skills go far beyond traditional Guinean Djembe playing. He is as proficient in Senegalese percussions (Tama and Sabar), Mandinka Seourouba, and drum kit. His musical versatily and 20 years performing experience make him a drummer like no other. His less known work is producing, a field that he will certainly develop in the next few years. He has produced all his albums, as well as his family album Jalikunda Cissokho with intersting arrangement.
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