Sakari Kukko Afro Chamber & Strings, Sakari Kukko - Kainuu – Casamance (2020) [Hi-Res]

Sakari Kukko: piano, sopraanosaksofoni, huilu, laulu, Meissa Niang: laulu, Cheick Cissokho: kora,
Issa Dembele: balafon, tama, Ismaila Sane: perkussiot, Abdoulaye Ndiaye: bassokitara,
Ousseynou Mbaye: rummut, Mikko-Ville Luolajan-Mikkola: 1. viulu, Teemu Eerola: 2. viulu
Maarit Holkko: alttoviulu, Iida-Vilhelmiina Sinivalo: sello

Sakari Kukko, a musician from Kainuu, has released an album that is closely connected to the region. The album narrates the fictional story of Reissa Lassi, a village musician, as she embarks on a long journey from Kainuu to Casamance, West Africa. Kukko considers this album to be one of the most significant works of his career, reflecting the culmination of his diverse musical experiences and learning. The string quartet accompanying Kukko consists of top talents, with Mikko-Ville Luolajan-Mikkola leading the ensemble. Luolajan-Mikkola has an impressive background in both art music and jazz, having performed as a concertmaster and in various orchestras. On the other hand, the African musicians on the album come from musical families with a rich tradition spanning several generations. The Cissokhs, for instance, were court musicians in the Kingdom of Mali, and Meissa Niang is a respected singer-songwriter in his home country. This album highlights the connection between musicians from different backgrounds and cultures, resulting in an enriching musical experience.

Tracklist:
1-1. Sakari Kukko Afro Chamber & Strings, Sakari Kukko - Aapeli (10:33)
1-2. Sakari Kukko Afro Chamber & Strings, Sakari Kukko - Jusu (10:39)
1-3. Sakari Kukko Afro Chamber & Strings, Sakari Kukko - Murkut (05:02)
1-4. Sakari Kukko Afro Chamber & Strings, Sakari Kukko - Onko tietoo? (03:31)
1-5. Sakari Kukko Afro Chamber & Strings, Sakari Kukko - Keddo (Ketoon) (13:20)
1-6. Sakari Kukko Afro Chamber & Strings, Sakari Kukko - Reeta (07:15)
1-7. Sakari Kukko Afro Chamber & Strings, Sakari Kukko - Kato (10:02)
1-8. Sakari Kukko Afro Chamber & Strings, Sakari Kukko - Kala-Balik (06:45)