Tunga

Amazon.com
Son of kora virtuoso Djelimory Diabate and cousin to Toumani Diabate, 25-year-old Mamadou Diabate steps into his own here on Tunga ("Adventure"). It's a strong debut with interpretations of 13th-century African music shaped by contemporary hands. Diabate, who resettled in New York, invites not only African expatriate friends but also noted jazz bassist Ira Coleman to accompany him. Their collaboration is a pleasantly gentle but still intriguing mix of Malian music. On "Dounuya," Chicago-style blues somehow floats into the lovely African landscape, and though "Dagna" is an original composition, Coleman's acoustic bass work blurs the line between bebop and Malian court music. And ancient Malian court music dominates this collection, whether through classic songs portrayed with modern elements or adaptations of Manding standards. Balafon gently chimes in with its woody, teardrop tones on a handful of tracks, and the vocals of Abdoulaye Diabate on "Dounuya" and "Mamadou Diawara" add a distinctly Malian narrative. The overall beauty of Tunga is in its ability to explore the future while staying true to its roots; Diabate may be living in New York, but fortunately his heart's still in Africa. --Karen K. Hugg

Tracks:

Dagna
Dounuya
Tunga
Larsidan
Soutoukou
Mamadou Diawara
Djanjo
Djelimory
Mande

Amazon.com

Son of kora virtuoso Djelimory Diabate and cousin to Toumani Diabate, 25-year-old Mamadou Diabate steps into his own here on Tunga ("Adventure"). It's a strong debut with interpretations of 13th-century African music shaped by contemporary hands. Diabate, who resettled in New York, invites not only African expatriate friends but also noted jazz bassist Ira Coleman to accompany him. Their collaboration is a pleasantly gentle but still intriguing mix of Malian music. On "Dounuya," Chicago-style blues somehow floats into the lovely African landscape, and though "Dagna" is an original composition, Coleman's acoustic bass work blurs the line between bebop and Malian court music. And ancient Malian court music dominates this collection, whether through classic songs portrayed with modern elements or adaptations of Manding standards. Balafon gently chimes in with its woody, teardrop tones on a handful of tracks, and the vocals of Abdoulaye Diabate on "Dounuya" and "Mamadou Diawara" add a distinctly Malian narrative. The overall beauty of Tunga is in its ability to explore the future while staying true to its roots; Diabate may be living in New York, but fortunately his heart's still in Africa. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews:

As good as it gets.......2005-12-05

Diabate is the master of the kora, essentially a 21-stringed harp made out of a giant gourd or pumpkin. To see him live and watch his fingers barely move across the strings is to see genius at work. He's a hulk of a man, standing at around 6'7", and his hands are huge, but the delicate way he plucks the strings brings to mind the classic Gentle Giant. This is beautiful music, sometimes soft and gentle, sometimes blazing and incendiary, always wonderful.

National Folk Festival in Bangor ME.......2004-08-08

I saw Mamadou and his band twice at the National Folk Festival in Bangor, Me. I was overwhelmed by the power of the music. Mamadou and the entire band signed my CD and were as gracious as they were intensely awe inspiring. The music here is simply beautiful throughout.

New Doors Opened!.......2004-02-08

Last night I experienced the music of Mamadou Diabate. The music and sounds that eminated from his Kora had me seated in awe as I listened and watched wholeheartedly to this wonderful musician. I would recommend this CD to anyone.

Breath-Taking.......2001-03-28

I am humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to see Mamadou Diabate and his group in concert, which of course prompted me to buy TUNGA. As previous positive reviewers have expressed - Mamadou is arriving on the scene as one of the world's most skillful and talented musicians. Mamadou and the group embody centuries of jeli tradition. I have no doubt that they will continue to enlighten the world with this beautiful music - I look forward to future works from Mamadou.

Incredible musicianship fuels TUNGA.......2000-05-15

This cd is superb. Mamadou plays his instrument, the kora a 21-stringed harp, with tremendous dexterity and feeling. If you like kora music you will love this recording, and if you haven't yet heard the kora...TUNGA is a great place to start!