Ablaye Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto
Two masters celebrate the beauty of cross-cultural musical exploration.
Senegalese griot Ablaye Cissoko and French multi-instrumentalist Cyrille Brotto take audiences on an intimate journey, melding the deep traditions of their very different musical cultures while showcasing music’s ability to expand traditions and connect individuals. Cissoko’s delicate voice and kora combined with the brilliant sound of Brotto’s diatonic accordion create a remarkably warm and graceful music that fuses West African Mandingo culture, French traditional music, jazz, and classical music.
Since the release of his first album in 2003, Ablaye Cissok has established himself as one of the best kora players and also as a man of encounters, recording sometimes with the German trumpeter Volker Goetze, sometimes with the Canadian ensemble Constantinople or with the group African Jazz Roots.
Cyrille Brotto is a virtuosic diatonic accordionist and multi-instrumentalist, who adds a European flair to the collaboration. His distinguished career in performance and education spans across Europe, contributing to the dynamic fusion of cultural influences that characterizes this unique musical partnership.
The duo followed up their 2022 debut Instant, with the extraordinary Djiyo in January of this year.
“Masterful... a gem from start to finish.” Songlines
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