MUSIC
Hill Country Records presents World Boogie 2008, featuring Afrissippi with The Eric Deaton Trio at The Guild in Charlottetown May 8.
West African griot music meets the Mississippi Delta as Afrissippi hits The Guild stage on May 8 at 8:30 pm. As the only PEI stop on their new album tour, these performers will also be offering a pre-show workshop on their traditional blues and African music styles. .
Alliance is Afrissippi’s second full-length album, following up on the acclaimed 2006 debut Fulani Journey, It was produced by Grammy winner Jimbo Mathus and Afrissippi bassist Justin Showah; recorded completely live in one day at Mathus’ Delta Recording Service in Como, Mississippi. Alliance continues the story of Guelel Kumba, a singer-songwriter from the delta country of Senegal, West Africa. In 2002, Kumba, guitarist Eric Deaton and drummer Kinney Kimbrough (the backup band of the late hill country trance blues master, Junior Kimbrough) got together for a jam session at the home of the legendary R.L. Burnside. Immediately, these musicians felt the potential to create an entirely new exploration of the uncanny similarities between North Mississippi trance blues and traditional West African music. Fulani Journey was the result of that first inspiration, and with Kumba now making his permanent home in Mississippi this vision has taken on an even more cohesive and finely crafted sound in Alliance.
With a one-night only performance on May 8. Tickets may be purchased in advance through The Guild Box Office (open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 pm), or can be reserved by phone 620-3333. Afrissippi will also be offering a pre-show workshop. For information visit The Guild online at www.theguildpei.com