South Africa’s master guitarist Derek Gripper magically conjures anew a centuries-old ancient
South African musical heritage interpreting kora (21-string harp-lute) compositions on solo
guitar. It was 15 years ago that he did what everyone said was impossible: he recorded the works
of Mali’s great Toumani Diabate on solo classical guitar. Since then, he has produced nearly 30
albums ranging from Diabate to Bach to Arvo Part to Keith Jarrett-style improvisations, and
collaborated with Diabate, Ballake Sissoko, and classical guitar legend John Williams.

By transcribing and recording Diabate, Derek argued that the word “classical” should belong to
Africa as easily as it belongs to Europe. In this program, Derek features kumbengo, the cyclical
variations that sit at the heart of the West African tradition. These small, ancient kernels of music
focus the mind, soar to melodic heights, move the body, and ache the heart. Toumani Diabate
once showed the world that the virtuosity of Bach and modern jazz could live inside the Malian
kora tradition. On Derek’s current tour, the same richness arrives on a single guitar.

“It’s hard to imagine a more impressive and passionate rendering of Malian music on classical
guitar.” – Afropop Worldwide

“a staggering achievement on solo guitar.” – Songlines Magazine

Presented by Robert Browning Associates and Lotus Music & Dance in partnership with Roulette. Made possible in part with a grant from the Howard Gilman Foundation.