Derek Gripper

Derek Gripper

Derek Gripper is a South African guitarist known for arranging and performing music from a range of traditions on classical guitar. His work includes transcriptions of compositions by Malian musicians Toumani Diabaté, Ali Farka Touré and Ballaké Sissoko, originally written for the kora, a 21-string African harp-lute.

Repertoire and style

Gripper’s output extends beyond West African music. He also writes original compositions, interprets the work of Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, collaborates with classical Indian tabla, explores South African folk sounds, and arranges J.S. Bach’s solo violin works. His approach moves between improvisation, interpretation and composition, drawing on the different styles that inform his music.

Recordings and critical response

His recording One Night on Earth: Music from the Strings of Mali presents the music of Mali on classical guitar. It is selected by Songlines Magazine as a Top of the World album in March 2013. A 2011 recording combining original compositions with works by Gismonti is described by Classical Guitar Magazine as “an excellent album…of hypnotic beauty”, and Guitar International says Gripper’s playing is able to transcend the instrument itself.

Reception

Other responses describe his Mali-inspired recording as a remarkable rendering of Malian music on classical guitar, and refer to his work as a gentle masterpiece and as an open-minded fusion of classical and indigenous music.