Hamburg-based Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu mixes pop, jazz and funk with Indian and African traditional music. For the album Farakala Gurtu teamed up with producer Frederic Galliano from the label Frikyiwa. Basically Galliano records traditional music in its most natural environment. This time he installed his mobile 'nomad studio' in Farakala, a village in the south of Mali. Gurtu was immersed
… in the centuries-old West African mandingue culture, accompanied by renowned musicians from Mali, Senegal and Guinea. Tabla or drums were taboo. Gurtu indulged in local percussion instruments such as the balafon, water gourds and shzeker. On the album, recorded entirely acoustically and live, Gurtu plays together with Hadja Kouyate (singer from Guinea), Ali Boulo Santo (singer and kora- en ' kora wah-wah 'player from Senegal), N'Gou Bagayoko (guitarist from Mali) and Filifin (singer and chamele n'goni player from Mali). The track Roots No Fruits also featured guest duo Sounkalo & Yaya (dozon n'goni and carignan players from Mali). The result of this collaboration is very rhythmic, sparkling and lively music. The fold-out CD cover contains beautiful color photos on which the musicians and instruments can be admired. (SvdP) The fold-out CD cover contains beautiful color photos on which the musicians and instruments can be admired. (SvdP) The fold-out CD cover contains beautiful color photos on which the musicians and instruments can be admired. (SvdP)more