Consider the musical mashup. Generally the term means to combine two distinct songs into one. In this context, I'm making reference more to artists from different genres who come together in an attempt to find musical common ground. Think Wynton Marsalis and Willie Nelson (of course, one of the biggest records of Willie Nelson's career was "Stardust" - a jazz record made by a country artist).
The hope is that something new, fresh and exciting will emerge. Too often, these mashups become a dog's breakfast (example: hip hop star Nelly with country star Tim McGraw's "Over And Over"). But the one we have for you tonight really works well, in my humble opinion. Senegalese vocalist and kora player Zal Sissokho, now based for many years in Montreal, calls upon his musical friends to create an engaging show at the Lion D'Or.
From the rootsy sounds of Michael Jerome Browne, to the African-inflected blues of Cécile Doo-Kingué, to the soul, R & B and reggae stylings of Doba, it seems Zal has no trouble interweaving his kora into these artists' songs. And he and his band Buntalo really get things grooving when it's their turn.
You don't have to be much of an African music fan to get into this concert. The infectious grooves do the work for you. Check out audio and video by heading over to Concerts on Demand, or just tune in to Canada Live tonight.
Got a favourite musical collaboration between two or more artists from different worlds? Tell us about it here.
Related:
Mundo Montreal: Zal Sissokho and friends