Intriguing” Guardian **** ”Fantastic” Weekend Australian **** ” A “ gem” Jazzwise **** Kora that rocks” Montreal Gazette “The Hendrix of the Kora” Music News With a big African Heart, virtuoso kora player Seckou Keita and his international quintet are not to be confined to any one genre, dipping comfortably in and out of jazz, classical, Flamenco, with sometimes hints of rock and reggae. They take us on a musical journey of imagination and human emotions. Their superb musicianship, dexterity and diversity have transported audiences from any walk of life to places they had never imagined they would go. Together, they never fail to impress. Imagine, if you will, five musicians. They are each uniquely gifted, yet able to share the same spotlight. Imagine that these musicians were not brought up playing in the same musical styles, yet somehow have created an organic sound that has relevance the world over. This is the Seckou Keita Quintet. Led by the experimental tunings and prodigious Kora of Seckou Keita himself, also called “the Hendrix of the Kora”- the music is supported by the Italian double bass player Davide Mantovani, eclectic percussions from Gambian master Sura Susso, the distinguished sound of the Egyptian violin from Samy Bishai and the enchanting voice of his Gambian sister Binta Suso. Seckou and his quintet are at its best a life-changing experience. At its worst it is just a beautiful, captivating, harmonious international band. Seckou is currently working on his new album that is due to be released in the fall 2011, followed by a world wide tour. . http://www.seckoukeita.com/
