New Ancient Strings

Description

'New Ancient Strings' is an album by the world-renowned Malian kora players Toumani Diabate and Ballake Sissoko. Originally released by Hannibal Records, produced by Joe Boyd (Nick Drake, Richard Thompson, Pink Floyd) in 1999, the album was critically acclaimed and has since become a symbol of Mali's musical heritage and kora tradition. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of "New Ancient Strings," the album has been remastered and makes its vinyl debut. Inspired by the historic 1970 album "Ancient Strings" (recorded by their fathers Sidiki Diabate and Djelimadi Sissoko), Toumani and Ballake decided to create their own contemporary version. Many of the songs are drawn from the original repertoire, but the music is entirely modern Malian and beautifully played, making it an exemplary classic in its field. Recorded in one night, without overdubs or rehearsals, the album captures the famous kora players in the extraordinary natural acoustics of the Palais des Congrès. "New Ancient Strings" has become a cult classic and is often cited as an inspiration for Western musicians, including Childish Gambino and Bjork, who later collaborated with Toumani Diabate on her album "Volta." Remastered from the original tape by Phil Kinrade and cut by Barry Grint at AIR Mastering.