Diamond Fingers [CD]

Mama Sissoko - Diamond Fingers [CD]

The Malian guitar virtuoso, Mama Sissoko, was introduced to music by his uncle Djeli Baba Sissoko. His music history counts legendary bands like Orchestra A de Bamako, Orchestre National de Bamako, and Super Biton de Ségou as lead singer and guitarist. Awarded the Ebony Guitar Prize in 1970 in Mali, and Mérite National in France in 2023, Sissoko has long been one of the internationally sought for guitarists, and his collaborations count Santana, Herbie Hancock as well as opening BB King's shows. Coming from the Manding culture, Mama's compositions are largely influenced by blues and jazz, mixed with the traditional rhythms of Bobo, Bambara, Sarakolé, Peul, Songhaï and Mandingue. The 13-track album Diamond Fingers is produced by his long time protege, the French photographer Françoise Huguier. Sissoko uses irony in texts critical to the absurdities faced by immigrants in the post-colonial realities. 01. Commissariat 02. Nkana 03. Douga 04. Silami Djama 05. Massane Cisse 06. Gniasso 07. Sembelou 08. Diamond Fingers 09. Mari 10. Batou Mande 11. Narena 12. Hommage Au Bitton 13. Diabari