'Balkan punk is, like, so 2005. It’s time to get ready for the new reign of the Empire of Mali. Kakande’s 13th Century West African serves up grooves animated by the Famoro Dioubate’s warm & powerful xylophone playing & vocals. He has put together the newest mega-group in New York, with superstars from Guinea like Missia Saran Dioubate (the Tina Turner of Conakry) & Mamady Kouyate (guitarist of Bembeya jazz). Add to the mixture cello, bass, congas, drums, Avram Fefer on sax, & Sylvain Leroux on the athletic Guinean flute, & the groove will move your booty.
Kakande brings together the exciting & beautiful melodies of West Africa with a lushness not often found in African music. Driven by Famoro Dioubaté’s powerful balafon (an African xylophone with gourd resonators), the group is full of surprises, from the unbelievably athletic African flute, to a warm cello sound. Famoro is a griot, or traditional musician, from Guinea and the group preserves an ancient tradition that dates back at least 800 years. The other musicians include Sylvain Leroux, flute; Peter Fand, electric bass; Andy Algire, drums; & Raul Rothblatt, on cello. Come share the infectious joy of Kakande & get ready to get up & dance!