Diatakendiya

Given the name Cissokho, it is almost inevitable that this will be a fine example of West African griot music. Jali Fily Cissokho is from Ziguinchor in the Casamance region of Senegal and comes from a long line of kora players recounting Mande history. He has been based in the UK since 2003, when he came to participate in the Jalikunda Cissokho family recording project. This is his fourth release under his own name and it sees him accompanied by percussion and, on two tracks, guitar. This allows us to focus on the exemplary kora playing and engagingly striking vocals. He sings with great attack on the material – which is praise singing in the conventional griot tradition. His solo kora playing is impeccable and his highly rhythmic technique fills the sound out to give the appearance of a second instrument. Aided by the very busy and adept percussionist Amadou Diagne, the overall impression is more like a small ensemble rather than simple kora and percussion. The addition of delicate electric guitar, played by Dave Noble, is a delight.