African Rhapsodies (A Work for Kora & Symphonic Orchestra) Seckou Keita, BBC Concert Orchestra & Mark Heron

• Seckou Keita (b. 1978): I. The Future Strings Variation (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 1Keita: I. The Future Strings Variation (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)06:52
• Simply Beautiful Miro (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 2Keita: Simply Beautiful Miro (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)04:54
• Tatono's Path (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 3Keita: Tatono's Path (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)08:35
• Ode to Kanou (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 4Keita: Ode to Kanou (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)05:21
• Tamala’s Caravan Trail (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 5Keita: Tamala’s Caravan Trail (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)05:28
• The Shadow Left by the Invisible Man (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 6Keita: The Shadow Left by the Invisible Man (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)07:15
• Missing You Forever (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 7Keita: Missing You Forever (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)05:24
• L’Épopée Mande-Arab (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 8Keita: L’Épopée Mande-Arab (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)08:51
• Distance, a Bird’s Eye View (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 9Keita: Distance, a Bird’s Eye View (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)06:19
• Bamba, the Light of Touba (Arr. by Davide Mantovani):
• 10Keita: Bamba, the Light of Touba (Arr. by Davide Mantovani)06:13
• Total Runtime01:05:12

Info for African Rhapsodies (A Work for Kora & Symphonic Orchestra)

Nottingham-based Senegalese composer and kora player Seckou Keita is proud to present African Rhapsodies: an epic project created in collaboration with Italian composer and musician Davide Mantovani, released via Swiss label Claves Records. African Rhapsodies is an enchanting, kora-led work, enhanced by the power of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

In this inspiring blend of African music with orchestral arrangements, the traditional West African 22-stringed harp takes pride of place perfectly where the violin, piano or flute may have been. This rare blend of traditions and the synergy that it achieves makes one wonder if Bach, Beethoven or even Stéphane Grappelli might have composed for kora had they travelled to Africa in their lifetime. Seckou has released 12 albums as a leader and co-leader. Through this work, he has earned numerous accolades including three Songlines Music Awards, and several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including 2019 Musician of the Year. ‘I don’t know if I’m a folk musician, a jazz or a world one,’ he said at the time. ‘Forget about categories. My music is just music to be listened to – it’s good music for the soul and no matter your feelings, if you’re sad or happy, it will fit in. It’s a healing process.’

Seckou Keita, ora, voice
BBC Concert Orchestra
Mark Heron, conductor
Guest:
Abel Selaocoe, cello, voice
Davide Mantovani, double-bass
Suntou Susso, percussion

Seckou Keita
Since arriving in the UK in 1999, Seckou has been on an epic creative journey that has seen him broaden the idiomatic scope of his instrument as well as spread his wings, literally and figuratively.

Nicknamed "the Hendrix of the Kora", Seckou has been celebrated for his ingenious tunings and virtuosity and praised as "one of the finest exponents of the kora". Performing all over the globe as a solo artist and with his ground-breaking quintet, he has captivated audiences at WOMAD, Hay, Glastonbury, Tokyo Jazz, Chicago World Music Festival, Sydney International, Montreal Jazz Festivals and many more places.

Acclaimed collaborations with numerous jazz, pop, Latin, folk and classical artists, notably include Damon Albarn & the Africa Express; Welsh harpist Catrin Finch; Cuban pianist Omar Sosa; AKA trio with Italian guitarist Antonio Forcione and Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale; Paul Weller and the Folk Collective; The Lost Words, Spell Songs (2019) joined by the words of Robert McFarlane and artwork of Jackie Morris. Since 2007, he has had several opportunities to perform with classical ensembles including Orchestre National de Bretagne, which has spurred him towards his dream of leading an orchestral work specifically for the kora.

Overall, Seckou has released 11 albums as a leader and co-leader. Through this work, he has earned numerous accolades including three Songlines Music Awards, and several BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including 2019 Musician of the Year. "I don't know if I'm a folk musician, a jazz or a world one," he said at the time. "Forget about categories. My music is just music for the soul."

On 26 May 2023, Seckou will release African Rhapsodies (Claves Records), a work for kora and orchestra arranged by Italian composer and Bass player Davide Mantovani and recorded with BBC Concert Orchestra. Directed by Royal Northern College of Music’s head of conducting Mark Heron, Keita also invited Mantovani on double bass and his brother, Gambian percussionist (and kora player) Suntou Susso and pride of place was given to the outstanding South African cellist and vocalist Abel Selaocoe.

African Rhapsodies is an enchanting work for kora and orchestra that celebrates Africa’s magical 22-stringed harp and gives it the position of prominence granted for centuries to the violin, piano and flute. It makes us wonder if Bach or Beethoven might have composed for kora had they traveled to Africa in their lifetime. Seckou builds on that notion by way of his own imagination, which is greatly sparked by his lengthy fascination with crossing cultural borders. The result is a majestic work showcasing a whirlwind of virtuosity, but above all a sublime poetic journey where music is pure emotion.

This album contains no booklet.