An Exciting Return to Vancouver by German-born and New York City-based trumpeter Volker Goetze and Senegalese vocalist and kora player Ablaye Cissoko!
Volker Goetze et Ablaye SissokoDakarKora et trompette
By Reporter Ariadne Sawyer for TAN: The Afro News ; This amazing duo will be playing in Vancouver Saturday, November 9th, 9:00 p.m. – Concert Tickets: Sunday, November 10th, 2:00 p.m. – Concert Tickets: Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour St. Vancouver BC (604) 685 0260 http://www.viff.org/theatre/2013/calendar
http://www.viff.org/theatre/2013/calendar http://www.volkergoetze.com/EPK_GRIOT/MOVIE%20POSTER/
www.volkergoetze.com www.griotmovie.com
TAN had a special interview Q and A with Volker Goetze about their work, highlights and what the future holds.
Brief bios: The music that German-born and New York City-based trumpeter Volker Goetze and Senegalese vocalist and kora player Ablaye Cissoko create, transcends both geographic and musical boundaries. When the duo first came together for their 2008 debut, Sira, their collaboration resulted in a unique musical synthesis that fused the timeless tradition of the storyteller/griot with a modern perspective. On their Motema Music debut, “Amanke Dionti”, Goetze and Cissoko have once again set out on an spiritual sonic journey, one that ranges from the desert and coast of West Africa to the urban landscapes of New York and Paris and which addresses themes of our ancient spiritual roots, and our hurried, dehumanized modern strife. In the tradition of the griot, Cissoko attempts to mend our souls with music, and with Goetze as his partner and champion, he succeeds, as their recordings are truly soul soothing.
TAN: Please give a brief description of the events and other things of interest that happened last year.
Our latest Album “Amanké Dionti” was voted #1 World Music Release by Public Radio International (Global Hit) and reached #1 World Music Album on iTunes France and #6 on the European World Music Charts. My film “Griot” (www.griotmovie.com) featuring Ablaye Cissoko was presented at many prestigious film and documentary festivals in Europe. Since last year we signed with a new agency (www.soundsurveyor.com). Since then we have worked at many prestigious festivals in Europe such as Jazz-A-Vienne, Festival d’O or Babel Med.
TAN : What were the highlights of your last tour?
There are too many as we are practically flying to Europe form New York and Dakar almost every month for festivals and concerts. The intimate ones at museums and art galleries are special as we can be very “near” the audience, recounting stories and joking with the audience by being very close. Playing for thousands of people also has its beauty: experience a complete silence and peace from a large crowd is amazing. We are also very lucky to see very unique places, as our music cannot be categorized in one musical genre alone. We get to play some very unusual festivals and places from ancient theatres to contemporary museums throughout the world: Oman, Tunisia, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Norway, USA, Canada, Spain, Belgium…
TAN: What are your plans for the future?
After the Canadian film release we will bring the film to the US (hopefully in spring) and Europe fall 2014. The first half for 2014 is already completely booked. And with the support of our label Motéma, we are finalizing a new recording in Brazil with magician and percussionist Nana Vasconcelos. The idea is to reconnect the Mandinka-Tradition with the oral memory of Brazil. I recorded with Nana Vasconcelos a trio record in 2003 and recently spoke with him and he expressed that he is very interested. He loved the film “Griot” and our music and I have been dreaming about this for many years to bring Ablaye and Nana together.
TAN : Do you have a message of peace for the world?
Life is about learning to receive and give love. Our future will depend on our ability to share.”
Vancouver will give them a warm welcome!
TAN : Proudly Staying Devoted to our Purpose the need to Inform and Educate is stronger than ever .
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