Formats
5SP06004 - CD
837101349109
Details
New label to Forte, 5 String Productions is pleased to announce the UK release of From Mali to America (5SP06004) by Cheick Hamala Diabate and Bob Carlin, with special guest, Solo Tounkara. From Mali to America blends the musical traditions of West Africa and America. As the American banjo grew from Western African roots, this exploration should come as no surprise. What is surprising is that it has taken this long for the ngoni and banjo to join together to illuminate this obscure corner of American musical history. Cheick Hamala Diabate (pronounced shake haMAHla jaBAHtay) was born in Kita, Mali, and is recognized as one of the top ngoni (a stringed lute that is the ancestor of the American banjo) players living today. The Diabates are a Jali (Griot) family that traces their heritage back over eight hundred years. Among the wellknown Malian stars with whom Diabate has appeared are Ami Koita, Kandia Kouyate, Salif Keita, Yayi Kanoute, Fanta Disco and Fadiala Diawara. More information on Cheick Hamala Diabate can be found at: www.malimusic.net Bob Carlin is probably the best-known clawhammer style banjoist performing today. Carlin has been offering performances, lectures and conferences for over thirty years. He largely left the solo arena in the mid-1990s after an invitation to join the band of songwriter John Hartford. Since Hartford's death in 2001, Carlin has returned to solo performing and appearances with other musicians. He has participated in three Grammy-nominated recordings. His book The Birth of the Banjo: Joel Walker Sweeney and Early Minstrelsy was published this spring by McFarland & Company. Nominated for a Grammy in 2007.
Tracks
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Press
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