Full Review

Volker Goetze, Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko, and Alejandro Moreno, FlamenKora Review

Music, at its core, is a universal language. It bridges gaps, melds cultures, and creates a harmonious blend of sonic narratives that are as diverse as the world itself. FlamenKora, the latest project featuring the talents of Volker Goetze, Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko, and Alejandro Moreno, verifies this harmonious blend.

Renowned trumpeter and composer Volker Goetze has carved out a niche by fusing folkloric cultures with the jazz idiom. His mastery of the trumpet is evident in his evocative lines that dance gracefully with the soulful vocals and Kora of Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko, a Paris-based Mande Griot said to have been born “with the kora in his hands.”

This intriguing ensemble is further enriched by the rising flamenco guitar maestro Moreno, whose authentic Spanish flair and driving rhythms add a unique color to the mix. The result is timeless and enchanting multicultural music – “Drawing Sketches of Spain in an African Way with the Spirit of Jazz.”

FlamenKora’s genesis occurred during pandemic lockdown times, underlining the indomitable spirit of creativity. Born out of Goetze’s obsession with flamenco, influenced by his studies with Madrid flamenco maestro Enrique Vargas. The nine tracks on the album are further enriched by his collaboration with Cissoko and have grown to be a fusion of flamenco scales and phrasing derived from the Arabic maqam tradition.

The album explores deep-seated African roots of flamenco, jazz, and Mandingo traditions, elegantly merging the diverse yet interconnected musical styles. The tracks range from the soul-stirring “Sadier” to the rhythmically engaging “Toumaranké Ya,” each piece narrating a unique musical story.

FlamenKora, at its heart, though, is a project that pays its respectful homage to the origins of the 16th-century kora, fuelled with the fiery passion of flamenco and refined with the sophistication of jazz. This sound is entirely new yet deeply familiar, proof of the group’s commitment to creating an innovative and traditional sonic experience.

In their own words, FlamenKora opens up possibilities for future generations. It’s a new departure for the kora, a fresh exploration of flamenco, and a novel interpretation of jazz. As guitarist Moreno puts it, the trumpet’s power and the guitar’s warmth create a great contrast that gracefully coalesces together.

In conclusion, FlamenKora is more than just an album. It’s a celebration of multiculturalism, a nod to the past, and a vision of the future. It’s the beginning of a brand new adventure, one that music lovers across the globe would be remiss not to embark upon. That’s the short of it!