Seckou Keita SKQ

CD: The Silimbo Passage
ARTIST: Seckou Keita SKQ
LABEL: World Adventures
CD NO: WA2008
AVAILABLE: Out Now

With members hailing from Senegal, Italy, Egypt and The Gambia, funky afro-jazz quintet Seckou Keita SKQ are as multinational as a UN assembly, but their latest CD The Silimbo Passage is more personal than political.

Fronted by globally acclaimed vocalist and kora (a harp/lute hybrid) player Seckou Keita, the band has already garnered international attention for their eclectic blend of blues, improvisation and culture. By the time the second track begins, it is easy to see why.

Each song is a colourful tapestry of joyous melodies and thumping percussion. Keita's passion and charisma exude throughout; his singing perfectly complimented by fellow vocalist Binta Susso and Egyptian violinist Sami Bishai.

Beneath the rich kora tones lies an energetic array of beats laid down by percussionist Surahato Susso. Davide Mantovani's bouncing basslines complete what is a truly visceral rhythm section.

The CD's linear notes give some insight into each track, describing love, betrayal and spiritualism, but the lyrical translation is barely necessary. Seckou Keita SKQ's music really speaks for itself, infused with emotion and laden with warmth.

The Silimbo Passage is something of a unique musical experience from a multinational quintet - testament to music's power as a universal language. Mark Langshaw

www.seckoukeita.com

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