"Those lucky enough to be backstage for rehearsals of the African opera Le Vol du Boli, taking place at a major theatre in Paris, would hear three Malian musicians constantly playing together at every opportunity. From those sessions Griot Jazz arose. Himself a griot, Baba Sissoko, master on ngoni and talking drum (...), together with Lansiné Kouyaté on balafon and Madou Sidiki Diabaté on kora (...), met up to record in the studio of longtime friend Jean-Philippe Rykiel, where the exceptional groove generated by the trio, illuminated by Sissoko's haunting voice, reached a new dimension with Rykiel adding his magical touch on keyboards. Of the 15 tracks, the most powerful are those singing praise with contagious vitality and sense of gravity to key members of the opera cast and crew. Tribute is also paid to composer Damon Albarn during 'Kamissoko' (his given name in Mali) (...) and to Malian star Fatoumata Diawara ... Griot Jazz flows like a clear fresh water spring".
