Bamako*Chicago Sound System
Malian master kora player and composer BALLAKÉ SISSOKO and flutist/ composer NICOLE MITCHELL co-lead this international collaboration of Bamako*Chicago Sound System, a cultural dialogue of West African griot music and Chicago creative music. Joining the bandleaders are members of Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble, MANKWE NDOSI, JEFF PARKER, JOSHUA ABRAMS and JOVIA ARMSTRONG with Malian musicians FASSERY DIABATÉ and FATIM KOUYATE. Diabaté, Included in the program are world premiere compositions from Sissoko and Mitchell commissioned by the Hyde Park Jazz Festival.
Reviews
“Bamako*Chicago Sound System is a work of superb musicianship and collaboration. These artists look to the future with the past held lovingly in their arms. Theirs is an ideal model: artistically, ideologically, and emotionally.” — I Care If You Listen
“Sissoko’s mastery of his instrument comes from his place in a long lineage of Mandinka performers, bearing musical tradition through the generations. Mitchell is renowned for her Black Earth Ensemble, inspired by African American creative expressions from bebop to Butler. Both artists’ well-balanced investments in past, future, and cultural exchange come through clearly as they lead their ensemble on Bamako*Chicago Sound System.” — Pop Matters
“For Bamako Chicago Sound System, forward-thinking Chicago flautist Nicole Mitchell and innovative Bamako (Mali) kora player Ballaké Sissoko have created something truly magnificent: a respectful, enthusiastic blend of artistic approaches. It’s the pure joy in this celebration of the African diaspora that makes Bamako Chicago Sound System such a rewarding listen – it’s the sound of cultural lines blurring while still remaining cognizant of the unique qualities of each. Dig it..” — The Big Takeover
