Wednesday, August 24, 2011

CD Review: Sura Susso's 'Sila Kang'




Sila Kang

Kuli Marow Music


Gambian-native and U.K.-based, Sura Susso, comes from a long line of musical talent with a specialization in the kora. Sura lends his voice, djembe, calabash, udu drum, sewruba, dun-dun, tama, congas, shakers, and darbuka throughout the album. A few additional musicians add a touch of flute, bass, guitar, horns, and additional backing and lead vocals on a handful of tracks. The instrumental, "Africa", is a happy kora tune with a spritely rhythm and no additional instrumentation. The harp-like and piano-like qualities of the kora shine through on "Massaneh Cessay" and "Medina". Lyrics are not provided in the liner notes. Fans of West African kora music will find Sura Susso most satisfying. Though, anyone interested in African music should find Sila Kang equally intriguing. ~ Matthew Forss

No comments: