DISCOGRAPHY

Saro - 2012 - Studiomali
Traditional Inventiveness: Andra Kouyaté and Sèkè Chi reveal the innovative spirit and polyglot funk in Mali’s deepest roots. In some musically vibrant corners of the world, innovation is the tradition.
Inventing a new version of the n'goni - the precursor to the banjo that can render lightning-fast melodies in skilled hands - Andra took a fresh approach to the traditional instrument, adding the bass sounds he missed to the mix by carefully modifying the n’goni until it achieved a deeper, richer resonance and found the new expressive quality he craved.
A relentless rehearser, arranger, and stickler for detail, he thoughtfully incorporates subtle reggae vibes ('Saro', 'Yereko”) or funk flourishes ('Aye Anflé') to his deep roots.
On his first major international release, Andra and his youthful ensemble Sèkè Chi bring a wide-ranging, aesthetically linked set of songs on Saro (Studio Mali; July 31, 2012).
Saro features contributions by Amadou and Mariam; by local star Mah Bara Soumano; by older brother Bassekou Kouyaté; by respected Malian singer Ami Sacko; by Harouna Samake the kamele n’goni player for Salif Keita; and by balafon whiz Lassana Diabaté of the Grammy-winning project AfroCubism.
Quotes:
- "The album reveals Andra’s stunning ability to embrace not only all the musical possibilities of Mali’s many traditions, but also a relentless drive to create and re-imagine the music he loves."
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“Entertaining music is great. Enduring music is better. Music deeply rooted in tradition yet of and for the modern world — that may be best of all. And that’s the heart of Andra Kouyate & Sèkè Chi’s sound on the new album Saro.
"Scott Stevens" -
"Saro stands as a fine example of Malian musical openness and pan-ethnic innovation at its best.” "Banning Eyre"
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- The Rough Guide To The Music Of Mali | Worldmusic.network 2014
- Sabou - Abou Diarra | Mix & Metisse / Warm UP 2013
- Deltas - Deltas | Kazemix Records 2013
- Mali All Stars - Bogolan Music cd/dvd | Wrasse Records 2013
- Cinéma el Mundo - Lo’Jo | Harmonia Mundi / World Village 2012
- African Revolution - Tiken Jah Fakoly | Wrasse Records 2010
- The Other Edge - Raaga Trio | AnotherShapeRecords 2010
- Speak Fula - Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba | Outhere Records 2011
- Seya - Oumou Sangaré | World Circuit 2009
- Gueleya (mp3) - 2Fanga (Andra Kouyaté & Mah Bara Soumano | Studio Mali 2009
- Spirit in the water - Leni Stern | Leni Stern’s Records 2009
- Africa - Leni Stern | Leni Stern’s Records 2008
- Sabali (cassette/digital) - Mah Bara Soumano | Studio Mali 2008/2016
- Gender Revolution - Marc Liebeskind | Marc Liebeskind / NHS 2008
- Segu Blue - Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba | Outhere Records 2007
- Afriki - Habib Koité & Bamada | Contre-Jour / Cumbancha 2007
- Red Earth - Dee Dee Bridgewater | Emarcy Records 2007
- 2007 Kirikou et Karaba - Michel Ocelot (dir.) | EMI France 2007
- Alu Maye, have you heard - Leni Stern | Leni Stern’s Records 2007
- fRoots 29 (ft. “Andra’s Song’ from ‘Segu Blue ) - Various Artists | Folk Roots 2007
- Bowmboï - Rokia Traoré | Nonesuch 2003
- Mali Lolo - Stars of Mali - Various Artists | Smitsonian Folkways 2003
- Je chanterai pour toi - Boubacar Traoré | Marabi 2002
- N’tin Naari - Fantani Touré | Sterns Records 2000
- Wanita - Rokia Traoré | Indigo 2000
- Mouneïssa - Rokia Traoré | Indigo 1998