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African Sky Lends Support to “The Mande Sessions” Documentary Film
African Sky is working with former Peace Corps volunteer Adam Klein, the prodcer and singer/songwriter of “The Mande Sessions: A Documentary Film.” Klein’s film documents the production and recording of an exciting ten song CD composed by Klein with a range of well-known Malian musical artists. African Sky is helping Klein raise awareness and for the Mande Sessions film. In addition, we are assisting Klein in his search for additional sponsors for this film. Below is a description of the film project:
Malian music, like the country, is a blend of many traditions and styles. From the rustic acoustic and groove-laden styles of Mande music of the Bambara people, influenced by the griot (praise singer) traditions of southern Mali and Guinea to the desert blues of the Tuareg and Songrai peoples of the north, Malian music mixes the ancient with modern instrumentation and sounds.
Today, some of the continent’s most cherished musical artists hail from Mali: soulful vocalist and ‘Golden Voice of Africa’ Salif Keita; Wassoulo songwriting diva Oumou Sangare, often hailed as Africa’s greatest female singer; kora master Toumani Diabate; the late, legendary bluesman of the north, Ali Farka Toure; blind rockers Amadou and Mariam; elder statesman of Malian music, Boubacar ‘Kar Kar’ Traore; Tuareg band Tinariwen; genre bender Habib Koite; ngoni player Bassekou Kouyate; and many others.
The Mande Sessions is a cinema-verite, feature length, color documentary film shot on 24p high definition video. It will be composed of footage of the recording sessions for Athens, Georgia singer/songwriter Adam Klein’s The Mande Sessions music album in Bamako, Mali, in early 2010. The record, performed and sung by Klein in the Bambara language, will feature acoustic guitar, kora (harp), ngoni (loot), balafon (xylophone), calabash, tamani (talking drum), djembe and other traditional drums, electric guitar, bass, and more. The Mande Sessions album will be recorded by Baru Diallo (Ali Farka Toure, Afel Bocoum) at his Studio Yeelen along with an array of talented local musicians. The ten song collection was composed by Klein and comprises his first album of Malian music.
A number of provocative themes will emerge in the shoot, including the emotional impact of the visit for Klein and his ongoing struggle to connect his current life in the U.S. with those of his close friends and loved ones in Mali. Inherently relevant issues such as sustainable development, poverty, public health, and globalization will be touched upon by virtue of the cultural exchange and landscape. These compelling narrative strands interwoven throughout the film, based on lived experience and real relationships, afford the documentary a valuable level of depth and significance. Here is a film of West Africa. A picture of Mali as told by the people themselves, through the powerful medium of Malian music and an intimate understanding of Mande culture.
The Mande Sessions will be supported by interviews with influential musicians and Malian scholars on issues concerning Malian music and culture.
Please visit Adam Klein online at the following websites:
www.cowboyangelmusic.com
www.myspace.com/adamkleinmusic
www.adam-klein.com
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