For seven centuries, members of the Mandinka West African jeli caste of musicians have been preserving its culture through music. Jeli member Mamadou Diabate’s second album, Behmanka, which features both traditional and original music played by Mamadou, is a 2005 grammy nominee for best traditional world album. The album features Mamadou Diabate playing his kora, a 21-stringed gourd instrument. Host Frank Stasio talks with Durham resident musician Mamadou Diabate. (40:00)
Archive for the ‘Musician’ Category
Mamadou Diabate
Monday, December 19th, 2005Nnenna Freelon
Thursday, November 24th, 2005The latest album by Durham jazz artist Nnenna Freelon tells a new story about the great jazz singer, Billie Holiday. Famous for her singular sound and her tragic life, Billie Holiday has inspired countless musicians. Freelon’s interpretation of her work brings out Holiday’s courage and originality. Host Frank Stasio talks with Nnenna Freelon about the new album, “Blueprint of a Lady: Sketches of Billie Holiday.” (59:00)
(This is a re-broadcast of a show that first aired on Aug. 24, 2005.)
Mike Cross
Thursday, October 6th, 2005
Mike Cross replaced his passion for golf with a passion for music when he was in college. He’s been performing his mixture of fiddle, guitar, singing and storytelling ever since. Frank Stasio talks with Cross and hears some music. Mike Cross performs on Friday as part of the Back Porch Music series at the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham. (17:30)
DJ Spooky
Thursday, September 22nd, 2005Paul Miller is a writer, conceptual artist and musician, known in the New York club scene as DJ Spooky. He performs this Friday at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Memorial Hall. Host David Crabtree talks with Miller about his work as a DJ and the piece he plans to perform, “Rebirth of a Nation.” The piece is based on the 1915 film “Birth of a Nation” by D.W. Griffith. (17:30)
Nnenna Freelon
Wednesday, August 24th, 2005The latest album by Durham jazz artist Nnenna Freelon tells a new story about the great jazz singer, Billie Holiday. Famous for her singular sound and her tragic life, Billie Holiday has inspired countless musicians. Freelon’s interpretation of her work brings out Holiday’s courage and originality. Host Frank Stasio talks with Nnenna Freelon about the new album, “Blueprint of a Lady: Sketches of Billie Holiday.” (59:00)