Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper - Center for the Arts, Grass Valley, CA on Jan 25 (7PM)

Ballaké Sissoko is a seminal improviser with an ability to unlock every possible nuance on the kora with subtleties rarely heard on any instrument - let alone the kora which is over 700 years old. Derek Gripper's love of the kora set him transcribing and recording some of the greatest works of the instrument, changing the face of classical guitar and giving the instrument its very first African repertoire. Derek and Ballake first met in 2022 in Paris, to perform a unique show together of completely improvised music. They returned to the stage in London a month later, and then to the recording studio for a full-length album. Their performances and recordings are all achieved without any verbal communication, just a mutual love of their shared repertoire and the possibilities of the plucked string.

Sissoko & Derek Gripper in Grass Valley Jan 25, 2025. Tickets: $48 - $63

Ballaké Sissoko and Derek Gripper are renowned musicians known for their mastery of stringed instruments and innovative fusion of musical traditions. Ballaké Sissoko, a Malian kora virtuoso, is celebrated for his deep connection to traditional West African music and his collaborative projects that bridge cultural divides. Derek Gripper, a South African guitarist, is acclaimed for his transcriptions of kora music for classical guitar, bringing new interpretations to traditional compositions.

Expect a mesmerizing blend of kora and guitar, showcasing the artist’s technical prowess and ability to create a harmonious dialogue between their instruments. Expect intricate melodies, soulful improvisations, and a rich tapestry of sound that traverses continents and musical genres.