Charles Amirkhanian interviews the Mandingo Griot musician from Gambia, Foday Musa Suso. A virtuoso on the 21-stringed kora, he also is a drummer and composer whose multi-instrumental talents are highlighted on numerous recordings, including “The Dreamtime”. After teaching at the University of Ghana and performing on radio and television programs throughout Europe, Suso moved to the United States in 1977. Since then he has founded the Mandingo Griot Society, released at least three albums, and worked with keyboardist Herbie Hancock and bassist Bill Laswell. He also has collaborated with Philip Glass on incidental music for Jean Genet’s “The Screens”, and has recorded for Folkways, Lyrichord, and the Flying Fish labels. (from KPFA Folio) |
