Rhythm Griots by Tony Vacca and Massamba Diop

The West African roots of Jazz rhythms and hip-hop rhymes are present in the form of drummer-brothers Assane and Massamba Diop, and also with djemelfola Sekou Sylla, as well as in the innovative sounds of the Dakar rap scene, provided by Gokh-bi System. As if in mirror image, the African sensibility is alive and well inside the fusion of Jazz and World Music that Vacca's ensemble is so adept at creating. Tim Moran on sax, Joe Sallins on electric bass, and Steve Leicach on percussion let you know they get how these traditions are connected. Massamba Diop reminds us of his griot origins, adding two uniquely Senegalese spoken word/chants to his brilliant drumming.

If you dig Jazz and World Music, and if you get the connection between the griots and hip-hop, then you should hear this.

MORE INFO ON THE GROUP AND THE MUSIC

Tony Vacca is an innovative American-born percussionist whose music incorporates giant West African xylophones, an incredible collection of over twenty Paiste gongs, hand-drums, and a unique drum set/percussion unit. The range of his work could be summarized by the fact that he has performed and/or recorded with pop icon Sting, Senegalese Afro-Pop star Baaba Maal, Jazz and World Music legend Don Cherry, and the Senegalese hip-hop troupe called Gokh-bi System.

Massamba Diop is internationally recognized as one of the all time masters of the tama drum. He is an extraordinary performer, as well as a knowledgeable and generous teacher. He is one of the original members of Baaba Maal's world famous band, and has performed with Peter Gabriel, Herbie Hancock, and Carlos Santana.

Together their performances are a spectacular display of rhythm and a world of percussion, demonstrating the power of cross-cultural collaboration. They have created flexible, cohesive, and extraordinary presentations by virtue of their generous commitment to the music and to each other. And it shows. In performance or in hands-on workshops, they convey their expertise, their reverence of tradition and innovation, and a profound respect for their audience.

If you like contrasts, then you'll see that their collaboration incorporates and transcends Black and White, Christian and Muslim, ancient and contemporary, African and American. But most of all these two musicians are friends; you can see it, you can hear it, and you can feel it. Just like their friendship, their music is built upon mutual respect and appreciation. The result is this meeting of two mindful, soulful, world-class performers; two rhythm griots meeting on the common ground of rhythm and storytelling.

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