sat 12/10/2024

WOMAD I: Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Ségal, Aziz Sahmaoui & the University of Gnawa | reviews, news & interviews

WOMAD I: Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Ségal, Aziz Sahmaoui & the University of Gnawa

WOMAD I: Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Ségal, Aziz Sahmaoui & the University of Gnawa

Musicians who shine brightly without outshining each other

Vincent Ségal and Ballaké Sissoko: neither of them plays to the gallery

Late on Friday night at WOMAD, on the more intimate Charlie Gillett Stage in Charlton Park, there was an unusual cross-cultural treat. Ballaké Sissoko is one of Mali’s most accomplished kora players: not as well known as his Bamako next-door neighbour Toumani Diabaté and more firmly rooted in Manding musical tradition, but undoubtedly in the same class. Vincent Ségal is a brilliant French cellist who moves with consummate ease from the classical repertoire to free jazz. They are both technical virtuosi but neither of them plays to the gallery.

Late on Friday night at WOMAD, on the more intimate Charlie Gillett Stage in Charlton Park, there was an unusual cross-cultural treat. Ballaké Sissoko is one of Mali’s most accomplished kora players: not as well known as his Bamako next-door neighbour Toumani Diabaté and more firmly rooted in Manding musical tradition, but undoubtedly in the same class. Vincent Ségal is a brilliant French cellist who moves with consummate ease from the classical repertoire to free jazz. They are both technical virtuosi but neither of them plays to the gallery.

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Unbelievable, what a great fusion this will turn out to be lsuch as greats like, Peter Gabriel/Youssous Ndour, Sting and Cheb Mami etc

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