Tiécoro Sissoko
Album: Keme Borama
Label: KSK
Tracks: 9
Website: http://www.kanaga.systemkrush.com

Sometimes western interest results in a brief flaring of opportunity and local talent must reap the benefit as swiftly as it can to spread the word. But at other times the interest is sustained and richly rewarded with a far reaching exploration of a country's culture and musical landscape.

So it is with Mali. Sadly, it was all a little late for Tiécoro Sissoko who died in 2012 just weeks before this, his debut album, was to be released. Born in 1946, the son of a griot chief and a singer mother, he learned to play tamani and n'goni as a child and saw his brother, Djelimady, achieve success as a gifted guitar player.

Tiécoro played with a number of bands including Tomonkorobogou Fulani and Bambara Percussion Group, where his solo guitar style caught the eyes and ears of a global audience that was ready to listen.

Keme Borama showcases his intricate picking style and classic djeli singing in a series of musical dialogues with Adama Tounkara's n'goni and Madouba Camara's melodic kora excursions. The moods switch from the pacy praise of Jaora Konya Donkili to the folksy, Moorish chants of Ti Ta Ti and the rough-hewn drones and chants of Sa Funke.

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk