Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper

by Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper

This warming album delivers everything you want in an acoustic kora album. If you know the instrument, you won’t be surprised.

If you don’t know the kora, this is a great place to start. To me, the kora sounds like pleasant warm sunlight as tangible rain falling around and lifting you up, smelling sweet like honey and earth.

Derek Gripper’s guitar fits seamlessly with Sissoko’s kora, providing drive and a woody lowness that yields form, keeping the listener grounded. It works well.

Ballaké Sissoko has many intriguing albums, such as his works with Vincent Segal on cello or 2024’s Bamako*Chicago Sound System.

Don’t miss works from other kora masters like Toumani Diabaté. His collaborations with Béla Fleck and Ali Farka Touré are essential listens.