BALAFON SOLO by Issiaka Dembele
Balafon Solo is an album that is 100% balafon. In the world there are different types of balafon. In Burkina Faso we also have balafons with diverse tonalities and sound. My personal story with the balafon is profound, herited from my father and my grandfather. Our whole family are balafon musicians. I don't know when I became a balafonist beacuse I was born into this environment. Growing up, developing my skills and knowledge was natural for me.
In Burkina Faso we use the pentatonic balafon. I advanced to master the diatonic balafon, too, and then continued to practice the chromatic balafon that allows me possibilities of harmonization and chords in different musical styles. I learned chromatic balafon by interpreting jazz standards.
On this solo album I wanted to show different forms of playing balafon - traditionally, technically, spiritually, with electronics, and artistically. I also interpreted a traditional Manding song Djarabi. The album represents completely my African identity.
Tracklist
| 1. | Issiaka Dembele - Afo | 4:48 |
| 2. | BALAFON DIARABI | 4:53 |
| 3. | LOBI NAABA | 4:52 |
| 4. | MANDINGO | 1:03 |
| 5. | NABORA | 3:16 |
| 6. | ISSIAKA DEMBELE - SAHEL | 2:58 |
| 7. | ISSIAKA DEMBELE - SIEMOU | 4:11 |
| 8. | ISSIAKA DEMBELE - UNIVERS FANTOME | 4:00 |
| 9. | ISSIAKA DEMBELE - BALAFONARTS | 8:57 |
Credits
Composed and performed by Issiaka Dembele
Recorded at Haista II Studio, Finland
Mixed and mastered by Heta Odoumonhou
Label IssiakaMusic
License
All rights reserved.
Issiakamusic is groove, emotion and heritage. From ancient African to electronic, multi-instrumentalist and producer Issiaka immerses you in a universe of freedom. Creator of electro Manding, Issiaka was born into a griot musician family in Burkina Faso. He started performing at the age of 10. With outstanding skills at playing several African instruments Dembele has received many musical awards.