Seckou Keita releases his highly anticipated new album African Rhapsodies via Claves Records. 

African Rhapsodies is an enchanting, kora-led work, enhanced by the power of The BBC Concert Orchestra. In this inspiring blend of African music with orchestral arrangements, the traditional West African 22-stringed harp takes pride of place perfectly where the violin, piano or flute may have been. 

"I wanted to do a project where the kora and orchestra talk to each other so that I can really put the kora at the heart of the classical world. I’d done jazz, world, and all kinds of things but this is something that I was determined to do one day, and now it’s happened,” Seckou says. “What was initially in my head was a kora concerto, but I was not really concerned about the terminology. My aim was to play with an ensemble as special as an orchestra where you can have up to 60 musicians playing. It gives so much richness to the sound and offers a huge dynamic range to play with. It was a challenge for an instrument that is not a violin or piano because it has certain limitations. And I don’t read music. I play it. So the question was how can I make it work? I needed to work with someone who already understood my approach to music."

A beautiful and engaging narrative is woven throughout the album. Each piece in African Rhapsodies charts its own individual story, cultivating a range of atmospheres and cinematic journeys.  On the album, Seckou is joined by South African star cellist and vocalist Abel Selaocoe, outstanding double bass player Davide Mantovani and up and coming Gambian percussionist/kora player Suntou Susso.