Kora Jazz Trio

Kora Jazz Trio

Kora Jazz Trio is a group from Guinea that begins in 2002 and remains active. It brings together Djeli Moussa Diawara on vocals and kora, Abdoulaye Diabaté on piano, and Moussa Cissoko on drums.

Style and approach

The group combines mandinga musical tradition with jazz, linking West African percussion with Afro-American swing. Its music also connects Western jazz and African jazz, with compositions that move between African urban settings and Western city life in their outlook and sound.

Recordings and reception

The trio releases two albums and performs in concerts around the world. Its recordings attract praise from jazz listeners and critics, with descriptions pointing to the contrast between the freedom of the kora and the refinement of Diabaté’s piano.

The group presents its work as a shared musical conversation rather than a form of musical mission or revolution, focusing on the enjoyment of playing common songs and rhythms.