Ballaké Sissoko - A Touma (2021) [Official Digital Download]

After the success of Djourou, the Malian virtuoso returns for an intimate tête à tête with his kora – intimate yet simple and majestic.

Taking time off from the Djourou sessions, Ballaké recorded these eight instrumental pieces in the intimate confines of the Chapelle Sainte-Apolline in Belgium. Together they proclaim, without need for further evidence, the heights of mastery and freedom that this discreet giant of global music has scaled in his forty-year-long career.

Though two of the pieces also feature on Djourou, the new album gathers together all eight of them in a musical conversation between a master, made of flesh and spirit, and his ‘double’, made of string and wood. It’s a captivating, intimate and authentic testament, recorded in one afternoon, in which Ballaké takes us on a journey, a meandering trip full of majesty that borders on the sacred and touches serene meditative uplands as well as plains criss-crossed by Manding warriors straight out of the epics of a country of whom they are the pride.

As for the title ‘A Touma’, take it to mean ‘this is the moment’: the moment for Ballaké to share the fruits of his maturity, and for us to discover and be blown away.

Tracklist:
1. Nan Sira Madi (06:34)
2. Demba Kunda (03:48)
3. Simbo Salaba (04:30)
4. Akilimaya (04:54)
5. Mande Tabolo (06:14)
6. Yafa Djini Te Djitoyaye (05:16)
7. An Badidjo (04:35)
8. Touti Sakiliba (03:39)


Thanks to the Original customer!