KENTFIELD, CA (Worldisc/ www.MoryKante.com) - On
September 28th, 2004, Riverboat Records and World
Music Network (UK) are proud to present "Sabou," the eagerly anticipated new acoustic album by West African singer and kora player Mory Kante. An exceptionally talented griot from Guinea and a contemporary of Salif Keita in the Rail Band in the 1970s, Mory Kante is the first African artist to sell a million singles with "Yeke Yeke," which topped the European charts in 1988.
Sabou is a stunning new album of depth and poise that is both contemporary and modern while also being firmly grounded in Mory's traditional griot roots. The title, "Sabou," means "the cause" - the reason why things happen the way they do. In Sabou, Mory Kante goes back to the source of his inspiration and the "cause" of his musical talent and knowledge: the art of the Mande griots (storytellers who perpetuate oral traditions and village and family histories).
Framing the rolling harmonies and sounds of Guinean music with his own inimitable songwriting styles, full of ever-changing ethereal female choruses and cascading melodies on kora, flute and balafon (xylophone), Mory produces an innovative album that sounds simultaneously contemporary and rootsy. Whipping up a clean and fresh sound, amazing balafon players stand out next to uplifting kora solos, with fantastic percussion and outstanding voices completing the mix, together creating a beautiful kaleidoscope of sound.
For Mory, being a griot has always been an integral part of his life and music, and Sabou unites his rich musical knowledge. Hailing from a long and gifted line of griots, he has always maintained a strong interest in continuing and developing griot traditions.
A remarkably talented kora and balafon player with a powerful and distinctive voice, Mory was originally taught by his grandfather and went through his griot initiation when he was 15. He joined the Rail Band in 1971 and later moved to Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire) and then Paris, where he met with global success.
With a contemporary, dance floor approach to tradition reflecting the diversity of Mory Kante's musical journey, Sabou is a must-hear album.
Limited interview opportunities with Mory Kante available from now until and through January, when he will showcase in New York.
Distributed in the US by Ryko, in Canada by Fusion3.
