Toumani DiabatéThose fascinated by the question of the role of genetics and environment in determining the destiny of musicians (Loudon Wainwright/Kate McGarrigle, and Rufus/Martha Wainwright, Johnny and Rosanne Cash, Bob and Jakob Dylan), to name just a few) would do well to ponder the pedigree of Malian kora player Toumani Diabaté: he is descended from 71 generations of kora players, transmitted without interruption from father to son! With that kind of bloodline and a lifetime of playing under his belt, it is understandable that Toumani Diabaté is the undisputed master of the instrument, a highly versatile form of 21-stringed harp fashioned from a gourd.  Diabaté’s first solo recording in 20 years, The Mandé Variations (Nonesuch), is a stunningly beautiful, immediately accessible blend of traditional melodies, original compositions and breathtaking improvisations. ‘The Mandé Variations’ is probably the most ambitious and challenging African instrumental album yet released. It is at once the definitive statement on where the kora is today and simply one of the most beautiful and melodically accessible albums you will hear this year. An important album for Africa, an important album for the world.

'Diabaté mixes fearsome technique with a deep humanism and a magical ability to improvise scintillating runs out of thin air.' (The Guardian)

'Haunting stuff... not in the "ooh, scary" sense, but in the awe inspired by hearing music this pure woven from the hands of a man.' (Pitchfork review, Rating 8.3)

Tickets are on sale now from Cedar Ticketline (612-338-2674 ext 2), Cedar outlets, and online at Ticketweb.

$25 advance, $30 day of show

Love Toumani Diabate, and looking for more string instrument virtuosos? Don't miss these upcoming shows at The Cedar: gypsy jazz and much more from John Jorgenson Quintet, John Williams and Dean Magraw, David Bromberg, Alison Brown with Joe Craven, Rory Block, Hawaiian Treasures Celebration featuring slack-key guitar master George Kahumoku, and the incredible Bill Frisell. And look out for Dobet Gnahoré, a remarkable young singer /dancer /percussionist /composer from Côte d’Ivoire.