Customer Reviews
Mali Magic - By: Friederike Knabe, 24 Sep 2005 
Listening to Toumani Diabaté's NEW ANCIENT STRINGS is the next best thing to sittingin the audience of one of his concertsin Bamako (the capital of Mali & Toumani's hometown). Toumani has become one of the world's leading interpreters of the 'kora', a 21-string, traditional African harp-lute, which originatesin Mali. The string arrangements around the body of the instrument & along the long neck make it a complex instrument to play. At the same time, it allows the musician to create complex harmonies ideally suited for a solo instrument. It was the favourite instrument at the courts of the kingdoms of Mali, going back to at least the 13th century.
The melodiesin this collection, passed down from the rich Malian music traditions are newly interpreted by Toumani. Both he & Ballade Sissoko, who accompanies him, are sons of two outstanding Malian musicians, revered till today across all of West Africa. The techniques & interpretations have evolved since then & are still changing & adapting to popular styles. NEW ANCIENT STRINGS is a completely instrumental collection of these traditional Malian tunes & rhythms, most going back to the eighteenth century. They will not be well known to the listener outside West Africa but the interpretations by Toumani make them easily accessible to the unaccustomed ear. The virtuosity of the players enables the music to flowin beautiful rhythms & brings out emotional depth as well as playful harmonies.
NEW ANCIENT STRINGS is not only a great introduction to West African music it is also a great addition for everybody who enjoys traditional solo instrumental music of lute, guitar or harp. [Friederike Knabe]
Beautiful.... - By: Mr Genius Eyes, 16 Sep 2005 Quite simply, this is the most beautiful music on earth. You must own this album. Enough said.
Quite sublime with magical musicianship. - By: , 21 Jan 2001 My favourite album of 2000 & one which confirms the continuing maturity of Toumani Diabate & his lyrical style of kora playing. Check out his first solo album which is also most impressive, as well as his willingness to blend with Western music, such as on the brilliant Kulanjan & the Songhai albums.
If you get the opportunity to see him, go.
Music of wonderful purity and sparkle.....just listen., - By: , 13 Oct 2000 If you want to listen to instrumental music of the finest order,I commend this to you.
A rich & warm experience
Magical - By: , 23 Mar 2000 I have just received this & played & played it - quite magical! The music is intelligent & the performers excellent. Buy & enjoy.
