The Kora Band - Cascades (2010)

A unique hybrid of West African styles and jazz, Cascades captures both the danceable and ethereal through a mixture of traditional songs and original compositions. Inspired by a tour of West Africa, Portland pianist Andrew Oliver formed the Kora Band as a way to integrate his passion for both styles. Featuring Kane Mathis on the kora (a 21-stringed instrument of the Mandinka people), trumpeter Chad McCullough, Brady Millard-Kish on bass, and percussionist Mark DiFlorio, the band explores traditional tunes like "Koulandjan" and "Serefu Sidi," Congolese dance tunes "Za Ayi Neyi" and "Tantine," and several originals from Oliver and Mathis. "In the tradition of [Don] Cherry, Oliver... blends the swing and intellect of American jazz with the divine poetry of West African music." - The Oregonian.