Tabara

Amadu Bansang Jobarteh - Tabara

released in 1993

Amadu Bansang Jobarteh is a jali or griot, an oral historian and hereditary praise singer from among the Mandinka people of Gambia, West Africa. His instrument is the kora, a 21-string harp. This is a live studio recording featuring kora and accompanying vocals. Now in his late seventies, Amadu Bansang Jobarteh embodies the wisdom and maturity of a grand master, and is one of the oldest and most respected kora players of our time. Despite his age, his musical mind is sharp and his fingers are incredibly nimble. He has performed around the world and has taught in Europe and the United States.

The kora

The kora is a 21-string harp from West Africa. Because of its pleasing sound and accessibility to Western ears, it is perhaps the most well-known of stringed instruments from the African continent. The kora's resonator is made from a large hollowed gourd which is dried, cleaned and prepared by its maker and then covered with cowhide. The hide is stretched over the open side of the gourd and wrapped around toward the back, where it is held in place by ornate metal tacks. A hardwood neck is fixed to the center of the gourd, along with two wooden hand supports. Nylon strings are fastened to an upright bridge, and are held in place by strips of leather which, when moved up and down the bridge, alter the pitch. A hole is punched in the gourd to serve as a resonator, and also serves as a convenient pocket to carry extra strings and personal items.

Music of the kora

Much of kora music is based on short cycles of finger movements called kumbengo. These kumbengo may be continuously developed within a piece with slight variations in rhythm and melody. Another important element of kora playing is birimintingo, or downward-spiraling melodic runs, which can be fast and highly ornamental in nature.

Much of West African music relies heavily on improvisation, and individual musicians are somewhat free to develop their own styles within established boundaries such as song format, spoken or sung text, tuning and rhythm. Kora players also often use humming as an accompaniment to their improvisations.

There are four basic tunings connected to the kora, and each one carries its own repertoire of songs. Each tuning is regional; they reflect local preference. It is rare to find a kora player who performs well in all four tunings. (from the liner notes)

Tracklisting:

1. Tabara {8:31}

2. Jula Faso {11:53}

3. Lamban {7:21}

4. Kelefaba {11:06}

5. Fode Kaba {9:44}

6. Hama Ba Jata {3:01}

7. Jula Jegere {10:54}

8. Alfa Yaya {8:39}

(1) or (1)