Songs Of The Griots_音乐专辑
Songs Of The Griots
表演者: Lamine Konte
发行时间: 5/18/1999
出版者: Jvc
条形码: 0741952524120
专辑简介
Midori Takada Marimba
Lamine Konte Guitar, Voices, Kora, Main Performer, Tamtam, Arranger
Hoshikawa Kyoji Producer
Some hip-hoppers have drawn parallels between today's rappers and the griots of Africa, and to be sure, there are some parallels. Like rappers, griots are storytellers -- and just as MCs are concerned with "representing the hood," griots have used music to share knowledge, insight, and information. The settings are different -- a village in Zaire, Uganda, Ethiopia, or Mozambique instead of a neighborhood in West Philadelphia or South-Central L.A. -- but the ideas are comparable. In Senegal, one of the many griots representing the Manding tribe has been Lamine Konte, who continued to specialize in African music after moving to Paris in 1971. A griot's accompaniment can consist of nothing but percussion instruments, but on Songs of the Griots Konte's approach is quite melodic. His singing is accompanied by his kora playing (the harp-like kora is one of Africa's top string instruments), and on two selections, he is joined by balafon player Takada Midori. This CD ranges from Konte originals to time-tested traditional fare such as "Massina" and "Diakha," which may go back as far as 1820. His performances have a quiet, gentle sort of charm. This is uncomplicated music, but it's also very effective.
- Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
