 |
Concert Series:
|
The Woods Hole Public Library Presents A Concert of West African Music.
The Woods Hole Public Library will present another performance in its popular concert series “Listening at the Library” on January 11, 2015 at 2 PM. Featured will be Sean Gaskell playing the Kora, and Dave Kobrenski on the Fulani flute.
The Kora is a 21 string harp-like instrument, which originated in West Africa in the mid-1700s. It is constructed of a half calabash covered with cowhide, functioning as a resonator, and a long hardwood neck. The sound is considered melodic and peaceful, somewhat in contrast to the narrative lyrics, which historically described episodes of war, hardship, or political change. The Kora has traditionally been played by local oral and musical historians and storytellers.
Sean Gaskell
Sean Gaskell has studied the Kora extensively with Gambian master musicians Malamini Jobarteh and Moriba Kuyateh on his many visits to that country. Gaskell has performed extensively in the US, from Seattle to North Carolina, and has been featured at music festivals in the US, Gambia and Senegal, playing and singing both traditional West African music and original compositions. The Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote: “Need more proof that music is the greatest international language? Listen to how eloquently Sean Gaskell, a young fella from Seattle, plays the 21 string West African Kora, a gourd bottomed harp that delivers both acres of melody and gently rippling rhythms.” Gaskell is currently based in Asheville NC. You can hear music links at
www.reverbnation.com/seangaskell
The three-holed Fulani flute, or Tambin, is traditionally constructed from a hard, woody vine that grows along the banks of the Niger River. Known for its rich, haunting sounds and melodies, the Tambin is frequently featured by touring West African musicians, and of late is gaining wider recognition beyond it birthplace.
Dave Kobrenski
Dave Kobrenski is a musician, artist and teacher, with a background in illustration and painting. He has traveled extensively in West Africa to study music with master musicians, and has studied Fulani flute with traditional master Lancini Conde. In addition to the flute, Kobrenski plays a 10 string harp, djembe, and guitar. He currently performs throughout the Northeast with the Donkilo! Afro Punk Orchestra (http://www.davekobrenski.com/music/), and other groups featuring the West African sound.
Tickets are $15, $10 for students, and are available two weeks before the January 11 concert at the Bank of Woods Hole, Eight Cousins Bookstore in Falmouth, the Woods Hole Library, and at the door the day of the show. The Woods Hole Library doors will open at 1:30 for this 2 PM performance. For more information call the Library at 508-548-8961.