The highlight of my trip to Gambia happened last night. I produced a recording of myself playing Kora while Malamini was singing and tapping on the back of my calabash. My intention was to highlight his singing, rather than my playing, and I was quite successful with this. Not venturing off from the main melody (kumbeng) on any song, I was able to allow him to take the spotlight. My heart tingled throughout the entire hour that we sat, as I know that we were creating something truly awesome within that moment. I believe we got eight tracks overall. I was surprised at how well it came out after listening to both the audio from my Kodak pocket video recorder and the mini disc player, especially because we recorded so late in the evening. I've usually been sitting with him at night around 9 or 10 at the latest. Last night, we didn't get started until a bit after 11pm. Don't know what else to say other than that it felt truly amazing to be with him last night.
Today, Moriba and I ventured off with Dawda (David Gilden), the other toubab from Texas (www.coraconnection.com) staying at Jobarteh Kunda, to record Jali Sherifo Konteh. He played very sweetly, and recorded quite a few tracks I had never heard. Very nice. There was quite a bit more negotiating that took place between him and Moriba over a reasonable fee, which I hadn't experienced with anyone in the past. Music is definitely a business for Jalis. No doubt about it. Some are more vocal about it than others. I'm not saying it's good or bad, its just the way it is here.
That's it for this post. Tonight or tomorrow morning, I'll produce my last recording, a duo of Moriba and I playing Kora, and then up to Radio Gambia in the morning to try to find some cassette recordings of Jali Nyama Susso. Then probably off to Lamin's in Jambanjelly for the night. Tuesday- to the airport!
Cheers!
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