FlamenKora – FlamenKora
(Motema. Album assessment by Sebastian Scotney)

FlamenKora is the identify of the trio of three musicians from very completely different heritages: German-born, NYC-based trumpeter (and instigator) Volker Goetze, “rising Madrid flamenco guitar sensation” Alejandro Moreno and Senegalese-born, Paris-based kora grasp and singer Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko.

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FlamenKora can also be the title of their debut album. That is lovely, reflective, soulful music ensuing from the confluence of their traditions. As Goetze has written his intention is to create “timeless and enchanting multicultural music”. It flows gently and naturally. One factor I do know for sure: I’m requested every year to do a number of albums for the JAZZTHETIK journal in Germany, and a class which I’ve typically struggled to fill is “spätnachts” (late night time listening). I’m enthusiastic about it six months early, however it’s already clear to me that FlamenKora will probably be going straight in.

Volker Goetze as instigator and producer isn’t new to both Senagalese Mande music or flamenco.

On the African facet he labored extensively with one other Senegalese kora grasp, Ablaye Cissoko. They made albums as a duo, beginning in 2008, and Goetze has additionally directed a movie documentary about Ablaye Cissoko. Probably the most profitable of the albums the made was Amanké Dionti (which means “I’m not your slave woman”, additionally launched on Motema) and streams from that album run into the various thousands and thousands.

Goetze has additionally delved into the custom of Flamenco, and notes that “Mande music […] additionally contains among the deepest African roots of flamenco.” He has gone with that perception, and has built-in the melodic constructions to the purpose the place it’s all fairly seamless.

Noting that the album title “Amanké Dionti” from 2012 was translated, and the theme of injustice inflicted on trafficked women was talked about within the supplies makes me replicate that, a decade on, the press supplies don’t give any track titles or synopses. I’m in all probability going towards an inevitable worldwide pattern in the direction of de-contextualisation of music, however I would love to know what’s being sung about…

With that reservation, I can solely suggest this album. Goetze as soon as studied with Markus Stockhausen, and it’s good to see the older trumpeter’s religious, holistic, typically other-worldly theories about “therapeutic sound” being made into such a fragile and beautiful work.

FlamenKora is launched on 9 June. Album web page at Motema Music