Famoudou Konaté
HAMANA MANDENKÖNÖ
Famoudou Konaté’s CD, Hamana Mandenkönö, is an amazing addition to the growing body of recorded work from this great Master Drummer. The disk is deeply rooted in the centuries old tradition of Malinké music in Guinea, West Africa, yet breaks new ground through original compositions that are both intricate and powerful. Famoudou‘s phenomenal skill as a djembe soloist, master composer and arranger come through crystal clear throughout the CD. The title track pays homage to a singer from Konaté’s home in Upper Guinea through an extended symphony of melodious polyrhythms on the traditional dunun bass drums. The CD offers a host of rhythms arranged by Famoudou and presented in full traditional orchestration, including singing by some of the most celebrated djelli (griots) in Guinea. The sheer joy and energy Famoudou communicates through the music makes Hamana Mandenkono incredibly accessible for those unfamiliar with Malinké drumming, while those previously initiated into Famoudou’s work will find the new CD a mountain-top experience that transports the listener straight back to Guinea with the first slap on the djembe.
Artist: Famoudou Konaté
Title: Hamana Mandenkönö
Release Date: December 2004
Product: Audio-CD including a 36 page booklet with all lyrics transcribed in Malinké together with English, French and German translations.
TRACKS:
01 Hamana Mandenkönö
02 A Nakan
03 Sobonèn Kun II
04 Sila
05 Kamerenèn
06 Könöwule II
07 Sansani Nani
08 Sumbuyaya
09 Bèè Ni Danya
10 Doofendön
11 Dyènè
12 Sofa Salikenebo
13 M'bè Sööma
Total playing time 75'58''
We are pleased to present to your this much awaited CD, a collection of traditional Malinké rhythms and songs interpreted by one of Guinea’s recognised Djembé masters and international ambassador for Malinké music Famoudou Konaté, accompanied by his touring troupe of drummers and singers.
These unique open air live recordings were made in Conakry, Guinea/West Africa and in Pappenheim in the Germany countryside using a simple microphone arrangement and the drummers and singers playing and dancing around them. These field recordings capture the spirit and complexity which combines the depth of tradition with delicate improvisation of Malinké music played in a compelling direct and natural manner in normal conditions surroundings.
