Sidy Maiga's new CD- Available Now!

[rachelnguyen]

I have been holding back on announcing Sidy's new CD until it was available online for download.... and now it is!

www.cdbaby.com/cd/sidymaiga

This CD has 6 tracks and was recorded in Bamako in January. It was very exciting to be there for the process. We got to sit in the rehearsals, which was a great experience. On the day we were there, there was a big group of musicians, all of whom were involved in the collaboration. I loved watching the creative process at work.

A week or so later, Sidy invited me to watch (and film) one of the days of recording. The studio was in a tiny room. Into that tiny room was crammed about 12 musicians with their instruments. Cheek by jowl, LOL. At first they invited me to sit far inside so I could get better shots, but frankly I was so claustrophobic I ended up sitting by the door. Even still, the door was blocked by 2 dundunfolas and a couple of Jeli Musow waiting for their turns to sing.

What was remarkable was the mix of Malian and Western instruments. Sidy had kora, tama, flute, balafon and drums right alongside electric bass, keyboard, guitar.

The CD was officially released in Boston, MA in May at a sold out event with Uhuru Afrika. It is now available on CDBaby and will be on itunes and amazon soon.

And while I have your attention, I might as well let you know that Sidy has just found out that he was chosen by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts as the Folk Arts Fellowship winner for the State of RI for 2011-12. This is a huge honor, as there is only one prize per year. RISCA has also given us a big grant to produce the third annual Afrika Nyaga Drum and Dance Festival in September. This is going to be the biggest one yet, with an as yet uncomfirmed Jeli singer being flown in from Mali to perform in our little state! Stay tuned for more details, LOL.

So much going on. It is just a thrill to be a part of it all.

Love,
Rachel