The latest album by the Malian griot couple is centred around Bassekou Kouyate's adventurous lifejourney together with his wife, the worldwide praised singer, Amy Sacko. The Garana natives invite us on an intimate journey into their musical universe. It is also an invitation to travel to the source where it allbegan for Bassekou and his other long-time companion, his n’goni. Bassekou Kouyaté reveals the secrets behind the beautiful love story between himself and his instrument. Amy and Bassekou chant to us about their fears and hopes for the future, give philosophical advices and sing tributes to important people ofpresent and historical society of the Bambara Empire. New texts and re-interpretations of ancient texts, song in Bambara and Peul.
Bassekou Kouyate is the undisputed world master of the n’goni, a virtuoso, a pioneer of innovation, as well as a stronghold of tradition. He gave the ancient instrument noble notes and made it shine oninternational stages with legends like Youssou N'Dour, Ali Farka Toure, Toumani Diabate, Bela Fleck, Taj Mahal, Eliades Ochoa, Damon Albarn, Michael League, Carlos Santana, U2 and Taj Mahal.
In past recordings, Bassekou was one of the key musicians on Ali Farka Toure's posthumous album 'Savane', he played in the Symmetric Trio with Toumani Diabate, and was part of Taj Mahal's 'Kulanjan'project. Bassekou has won several BBC awards for his celebrated debut album 'Segu Blue' (OuthereRecords) and was Grammy-nominated for the follow-up 'I speak fula' (Outhere Records). He has played hundreds of concerts across the globe, sharing the stages with everyone from Paul McCartney to John Paul Jones and Bono. Amy Sacko has all along had her own solo carrer as well as as touring the world fordecades with the family band Bassekou Kouyaté & N’Goni Ba.
Djudjon, L’oiseau de Garana is the first album by Bassekou and Amy, that has been produced in Mali, entirely by Malians. It was recorded by Bassekou’s son Madou Kouyate, on location in their village Garana, and co-produced by Bassekou and his friend Ibrahim Kaba. Kaba insisted in letting Bassekou play from his heart, and with a natural sound that is not aimed towards a Western audience, but focuses telling the universal story of his and Amy’s roots. Both Amy and Bassekou are like unpolished diamonds: Ali Farka called Bassekou “Malis Black Diamond”. On this album they are at home. The album is a tribute to their tradition, their ancestors and to their local society. Djudjon, L’oiseau de Garana takes the listener on a journey to deeper places in the soul, on a trip to the earthly roots that connects humanity. It is Mali Blues at its best!
