Doudou Cissoko 21/9/2012

A kora player in a village hall not too far from us is a must and so we found ourselves at Wymeswold Village Hall to see Doudou Cissoko from Senegal. The band comprised in addition a percussionist, a guitarist from Norway and a dulcimer/violin player. Doudou also sings and with Alicia Davies (the drummer) on backup vocals, this was an unusual line up that worked very well. I find the Kora a compelling hypnotic instrument to listen to. It is often compared to a harp (just because it has so many strings I think) but it is much more dynamic and rhythmic. I particularly liked the combination of violin (Kate Arnold) and Kora when played together and the vocal rhythms were also beautifully done between Doudou and Alicia. It maybe the first time I have heard a dulcimer in action and that was pretty sweet too. An excellent performance in front of pitifully few people.