From the opening brass fanfare, it’s immediately apparent that this is not a typical CD from the Malian kora great we’ve come to know and love. Celebrated for his intimate instrumental solo and small ensemble recordings, Diabate has achieved popular and critical acclaim for his collaborative projects with international luminaries such as Ketama, Taj Mahal and his 2005 Grammy award winning pairing with Ali Farke Toure. On Boulevard d’independence, Diabate assumes the mantle of ‘musical director’; a role much emphasized in the CD packaging, which replicates, with a Warholian frequency, the image of the headphoned MD in full-on conductor mode. It’s a slight indulgence that must be forgiven in light of this project’s scope (over fifty individual musicians credited) and quality. Diabate states that his goal with the Symmetric Orchestra was to ‘mix the positive and authentic side of tradition with a contemporary and modern outlook’ and to find a ‘balance between all the elements… each instrument contributing to the whole, equally.’ He achieves his goal masterfully. This is a beautiful recording clearly informed and infused by a mutual respect amongst a gathering of exceptional musicians.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Toumani Diabate’s Symmetric Orchestra - Boulevard d’independence (World Circuit / Nonesuch)
From the opening brass fanfare, it’s immediately apparent that this is not a typical CD from the Malian kora great we’ve come to know and love. Celebrated for his intimate instrumental solo and small ensemble recordings, Diabate has achieved popular and critical acclaim for his collaborative projects with international luminaries such as Ketama, Taj Mahal and his 2005 Grammy award winning pairing with Ali Farke Toure. On Boulevard d’independence, Diabate assumes the mantle of ‘musical director’; a role much emphasized in the CD packaging, which replicates, with a Warholian frequency, the image of the headphoned MD in full-on conductor mode. It’s a slight indulgence that must be forgiven in light of this project’s scope (over fifty individual musicians credited) and quality. Diabate states that his goal with the Symmetric Orchestra was to ‘mix the positive and authentic side of tradition with a contemporary and modern outlook’ and to find a ‘balance between all the elements… each instrument contributing to the whole, equally.’ He achieves his goal masterfully. This is a beautiful recording clearly informed and infused by a mutual respect amongst a gathering of exceptional musicians.
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