The Kora (21 string Gambian traditional instrument)

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  • Опубликовано: 6 май 2022
  • Much thanks to Salieu Suso for showing us this beautiful instrument.
    Salieu Suso's website: salieususo.com/
    instagram: / salieususo
    Full performance of a traditional song, Jimbu Sen: • "Jimbu Sen" on Kora - ...
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    Recorded and Mixed by Rob Ruccia of Uptown Recording: www.uptownrecording.com/
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Комментарии • 2,3 тыс.

  • @TheEvario
    @TheEvario 2 года назад +4483

    It's tough to describe it, but there's something really chill and nice about these video's. Just sitting down with the musician and chatting about their instrument whilst jamming some. Makes it feel like you're almost there with them.

    • @joeyrpugh
      @joeyrpugh 2 года назад +145

      I think that's in part due to Rob's very real interest and curiosity surrounding these instruments he knows nothing about. It's pure passion, and I love it.

    • @boejudden9011
      @boejudden9011 2 года назад +64

      I like to think that sitting on the floor is a critical part of this video

    • @MeriaDuck
      @MeriaDuck 2 года назад +19

      Quite exactly the reason I became a Patron. Love Robs passion and genuine interest in music, instruments and people 😍

    • @andresavage416
      @andresavage416 2 года назад +9

      I somehow really know what you mean. I feel good and nice and calm after watching these videos, something so grounded and real ans beautiful about the interactions and moments

    • @Sukaichae
      @Sukaichae 2 года назад +7

      Exactly, it's an incredible feeling, really relaxing

  • @therealandrew185
    @therealandrew185 2 года назад +2494

    This guy is so chill. And what a cool instrument. Think this is the African equivalent to the harp

    • @user-cq8vg9mq9n
      @user-cq8vg9mq9n 2 года назад +5

      Скорее на гусли похоже.

    • @joermnyc
      @joermnyc 2 года назад +122

      Two sided harp, with a drum resonator instead of a soundboard.

    • @Swishy_Blue
      @Swishy_Blue 2 года назад +183

      Or maybe the harp is the European equivalent to the Kora

    • @El_Chompo
      @El_Chompo 2 года назад +39

      "Plays beautiful calming music" that was a warsong. Lol. Yeah it is a super chill and beauty sounding instrument.

    • @russellzauner
      @russellzauner 2 года назад +10

      if he had slides he could play the blues on it, the strings are very close together.

  • @ashtonroffe
    @ashtonroffe Год назад +930

    I love how rob can basically pick up anything and make it sound decent, even if it’s not the “correct” way to play it

    • @PlatinumSpoons
      @PlatinumSpoons Год назад +30

      But will it djent? That is the question

    • @uncomfortableshirt3870
      @uncomfortableshirt3870 Год назад +8

      Most people could play this instrument pretty well at first try

    • @zachb8012
      @zachb8012 Год назад +4

      If only everyone were as kind and generous as you, calling that sound he was making, "decent".

    • @tabkg5802
      @tabkg5802 Год назад +3

      @@PlatinumSpoons if it plays it djents

    • @Sinstat
      @Sinstat Год назад +3

      @@uncomfortableshirt3870 not really

  • @gw669
    @gw669 Год назад +517

    The Kora is arguably one of the most beautiful instruments, the sound is incredible.

    • @daithiodonnell2825
      @daithiodonnell2825 Год назад +21

      The descriptor I keep coming back to for the sound is "cheerful". Like it just makes me happy.

    • @tribestribes2555
      @tribestribes2555 Год назад +4

      No it is not. It,s really disgusting.

    • @nastybastardatlive
      @nastybastardatlive Год назад +3

      Arguably is an understatement.

    • @yeetman4953
      @yeetman4953 Год назад +18

      @@tribestribes2555 lol why

    • @lf1496
      @lf1496 Год назад +15

      ​​@@tribestribes2555 JEALOUS much🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @Bladavia
    @Bladavia 2 года назад +838

    Keep in mind that Kora tunings, techniques and traditions can be very varied depending on the country and people, it's often passed down orally, so I'd advise you to talk to many different Kora players to get a fuller picture of the instrument

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 года назад +54

      Astute comment.

    • @GizzyDillespee
      @GizzyDillespee 2 года назад +31

      I'd advise he interview more Kora players, as well.

    • @gramursowanfaborden5820
      @gramursowanfaborden5820 2 года назад +59

      as with all traditional folk music, there is no one way to play any song, each area and even each town, possibly each and every musician, all have their own different ways of playing, and all are equally legitimate. it's a very different way of thinking to our modern assumption that there is one definitive or correct version of any song or instrument. this is how culture evolves and becomes interesting.

    • @brendandor
      @brendandor 2 года назад +31

      I'd say this was a snapshot, you can say the same about guitar, would be cool to do a deeper dive into the instrument but I wonder if Rob would have access to many different kora players.

    • @bacicinvatteneaca
      @bacicinvatteneaca 2 года назад +8

      @@gramursowanfaborden5820 they're kind of like jazz standards. Same with folk music in Europe

  • @mk_rexx
    @mk_rexx 2 года назад +284

    9:50 Rob instantly tries to play the Kora as a guitar while Salieu instantly tries to play the guitar as a Kora

  • @TheProject1177
    @TheProject1177 11 месяцев назад +280

    a lot of the comments are about rob on here (understandably) but can we please take a second to appreciate and acknowledge how nice, kind hearted and talented salieu is, an absolute wonder of a gentleman, so polite and full of smiles
    big thank you to salieu for this 🇬🇲❤️

    • @kba8159
      @kba8159 8 месяцев назад +8

      Made a guitar sound nicer than me my first time

  • @efjay3183
    @efjay3183 Год назад +216

    Reminds me of irish folk music; beautiful singing accompanied by simple major scales played with great skill, confidence, and emotion.

    • @hiyahiy
      @hiyahiy Год назад +7

      Africans were in ancient Ireland so there you go

    • @irishakita
      @irishakita Год назад +3

      @@hiyahiy what do you mean by ancient Ireland

    • @seanmcgonicigle_121
      @seanmcgonicigle_121 Год назад +3

      @@irishakita basically back when ireland was all 1 country and was spoken in all Irish.

    • @irishakita
      @irishakita Год назад +6

      @@seanmcgonicigle_121 Ireland has been historically separated. Yeah there were high kings and such but their rule was loose and would shatter almost immediately after they died. In the era of ancient Rome, before the high kings, and what we consider "ancient", there were multiple populations in the British isles, from the Celts to the Beaker peoples. And with the language, Irish was the most spoken language in Ireland, I'd wager up until the mid-late 19th century.

    • @seanmcgonicigle_121
      @seanmcgonicigle_121 Год назад +1

      @@irishakita thank you for your history lesson.

  • @gingerfloof777
    @gingerfloof777 2 года назад +813

    I really hope Rob releases a world music album with all these different experts, each track showing of the particular instrument with Rob playing guitar alongside them.

    • @mileshill7196
      @mileshill7196 2 года назад +42

      I would shell out money for an actual copy of such an album.

    • @artemesaulkov2010
      @artemesaulkov2010 2 года назад +17

      Why do people always refer to non european music as “world”

    • @DesertRatPainting
      @DesertRatPainting 2 года назад +38

      @@artemesaulkov2010 I think they were talking about instruments from all around the world, if anything was "world" music it'd be that album.

    • @gingerfloof777
      @gingerfloof777 2 года назад +36

      @@artemesaulkov2010 Europe is part of the world. The theorbo and hurdy gurdy are European, the koto is Japanese, the kora is Gambian, the mouth harp is…no clue, but they are all instruments from around the world.

    • @kisawisa1769
      @kisawisa1769 2 года назад +1

      like California's Voices of Africa

  • @saulgoodman1390
    @saulgoodman1390 2 года назад +1083

    I love how Rob's channel has transitioned into exploring different instruments from all the world... I'm 100% here for it!!

    • @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721
      @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 2 года назад +28

      It's really exciting to me as someone who doesn't play music myself. The part I love is learning about things, other cultures.

    • @agentham
      @agentham 2 года назад +6

      @@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 Exactly. That's why I love learning new things to cook, the variety and the culture that is learned along the way.

    • @BoyDharma
      @BoyDharma 2 года назад +1

      Ditto, I love this video and the one with the organ, heck any of these types of videos I'm here for. And I love Robs excitement about these instruments as well.

    • @ballpp2426
      @ballpp2426 2 года назад

      Yes!

    • @jbasti227
      @jbasti227 2 года назад +3

      I always loved his skits but I'm REALLY loving this more experimental, explorative direction he's taken. Really enjoyed learning about the instruments he's featured on here

  • @HollowSun
    @HollowSun 11 месяцев назад +210

    Maybe I'm just extra emotional atm or something, but this video legitimately made me cry. The sheer joy and intimate connection that two people from totally different backgrounds who've never met before can have through music really is amazing.

    • @ChronoMune
      @ChronoMune 10 месяцев назад +13

      Music is such a better language than words

    • @botezsimp5808
      @botezsimp5808 10 месяцев назад +1

      Woman.. lol

    • @nomad3189
      @nomad3189 10 месяцев назад +4

      music is certainly the universal language. I don't speak Swedish or Chinese, but i enjoy/appreciate them just as much.

    • @boscorner
      @boscorner 9 месяцев назад +7

      I feel bad for people who don't understand how this could move you to tears. It did for Me too!

    • @ArtificialFertilizer
      @ArtificialFertilizer 3 месяца назад

      @@ChronoMune Try ordering food with music.

  • @JF9
    @JF9 Год назад +79

    The kora just seems like the happiest instrument with such a light and harmonious tone. The guy also seems awesome.

  • @janhanchenmichelsen2627
    @janhanchenmichelsen2627 2 года назад +551

    A good kora player, like this gentleman, sounds like a sparkling drizzle of rain on a very hot day. So free flowing, cool and melodic. And we can sense the roots of jazz and blues in his music. As well as the links to modern desert blues à la Tinariwen. West African music is a treasure.

    • @paimon6731
      @paimon6731 Год назад +38

      A sparkling drizzle of rain on a very hot day... what a beautiful way to describe such a sound.

    • @davidbenyahuda5190
      @davidbenyahuda5190 Год назад

      Stop lying. My people invented jazz blues and everything else white people are the"experts" on. Our music has nothing to do with Africa,per se. Our music is American because unbeknownst to white people, Black people are indigenous to the whole world, not just Africa. Do you really think that there were Black people everywhere except the Americas? Who do you think built the pyramids in the Americas? Are you aware that they are older than the pyramids in Egypt? Are you aware that the Americas are the old world? nonBlack people should really stop trying to explain things that have nothing to do with their culture. That's my culture,it doesn't belong to everybody, because everybody did not suffer the killing fields of American slavery.

    • @Vijay7090
      @Vijay7090 Год назад +2

      Yep! It's just missing the generations of slavery, jim crow era, and other cultural decimations.

    • @jchrizzy6995
      @jchrizzy6995 Год назад +4

      Fucking sick way to describe it, major facts

    • @jimjambananaslam3596
      @jimjambananaslam3596 Год назад +4

      It sounds Celtic to me, but that's probably just the open D tuning.

  • @Saltyarticles
    @Saltyarticles 2 года назад +737

    As a guitarist, I have the same cheesy smile listening to cool string instrument that i haven’t heard before, same as Rob. Its like we are kids again and brings me back to first hearing a really good guitar player. I hope Rob keeps bringing on
    more masters.

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 года назад +9

      Be sure to check out Toumani Diabate! (Mali) i also recommend not missing Sona Jobarteh. There is an absolutely amazing live rendition of a song Toumani does with his son, who makes use of a wah wah pedal - Lampedusa. Jarabi is another lovely song for starters.

    • @russellzauner
      @russellzauner 2 года назад +4

      it's been my goal to get a theorbo since the Brandon guy showed off his foldable one he had built - I live where good wood is very available and reasonably priced, if I had the skills it's not a question of materials for me to build one. There are cabinet makers that could follow a drawing around here, that's how Peavey made all their instruments - Hartley only worked on the guts, Chip Todd and others worked on the husks.
      Now all I need are 10 orders for collapsible theorbos and I can probably convince someone to do the neck split, at least. ;-)
      More related, I'm working on a mycelium based natural replacement for gut type strings that will likely improve on most or all aspects of traditional gut - so no more harvesting from animals just to make the strings that we really want for the older traditional/folk instruments.

    • @mihailmilev9909
      @mihailmilev9909 2 года назад +1

      @@russellzauner that sounds pretty awesome, could you let me know how that's going and where I could check these out?

    • @thetruthexperiment
      @thetruthexperiment 2 года назад +1

      There’s nothing cheesy about a genuine smile. Being too cool for school is cheesy. But so is school.

    • @joeh858
      @joeh858 2 года назад +2

      The riffs this guy is playing on the kora could make a killer midwest emo song.

  • @paohermosin
    @paohermosin Год назад +250

    wowww I love this video! Wonderful wounds you both got from it, it's amazing. Hugs from Seville!

    • @MDkilgore
      @MDkilgore Год назад

      Sí Paola.. Qué maravillosas "heridas" les otorgó el instrumento!😆

    • @meuconsagrado
      @meuconsagrado 8 месяцев назад +3

      Nice someone who says "hugs" like in my country (Brazil) haha I heard it's sounds weird for english native speakers but in our countries probably have the same meaning of something like "take care" but more "fisical" 🙂

  • @StarbornCthulhu
    @StarbornCthulhu 2 года назад +681

    What I love about Rob is he immediately tries different things with any instrument he gets his hands on. And there's a 50/50 chance the master has never seen some try that different way of playing their instrument. Its just amazing how music speaks through musicians universally

    • @lilstinker1949
      @lilstinker1949 2 года назад +28

      Yeah, I’m sure the masters have never heard overwritten Midwest emo riffs with no structure before

    • @chrisakaschulbus4903
      @chrisakaschulbus4903 2 года назад +73

      @@lilstinker1949 "Yeah, I’m sure the masters have never heard overwritten Midwest emo riffs with no structure before"
      Who hurt you? It's gonna be fine, trust me. Chill.

    • @aliasfakename2267
      @aliasfakename2267 2 года назад +28

      @@lilstinker1949 I also go to yt channels of people I don't like so I can make smarmy comments 🙄

    • @child666able
      @child666able 2 года назад +2

      @@lilstinker1949 are you lost?

    • @bobbirdsong6825
      @bobbirdsong6825 2 года назад +2

      That’s true. Most haven’t

  • @Navisworker
    @Navisworker 2 года назад +655

    My father bought me one of these on a vacation to the Gambia. Pretty difficult to play, always wondered what it's worth. Plays like a video game. Rob if you want it you can have it lol just pay the shipping.

    • @aoldatabase548
      @aoldatabase548 2 года назад +59

      GET THIS NOTICED- i want to see him play one more

    • @antoniomarcello9872
      @antoniomarcello9872 2 года назад +14

      Ship it to him anyways lol!

    • @mr-mizu
      @mr-mizu 2 года назад +10

      I'd take it. I already play

    • @Vorpal_Wit
      @Vorpal_Wit 2 года назад +9

      What a generous offer! Very cool of you.

    • @brendandor
      @brendandor 2 года назад +12

      Hopefully it's still in good enough condition, these kinds of skin instruments can suffer from drying out and or high moisture.

  • @jomiar309
    @jomiar309 2 года назад +264

    The Kora is so chill and relaxing. Reminds me of the Kokle, the Latvian traditional lute. Similarly calming and relaxing.
    I also love the idea of the "first song" for the instrument, passed down from teacher to student. That kind of tradition with an instrument and musical culture is amazing!

    • @theodorekaczynski2138
      @theodorekaczynski2138 Год назад +1

      Ive heard that the kokle is a popular instrument in the gay community.

  • @RastaMonn
    @RastaMonn Год назад +60

    You can see the Joy light up in his face when he tries the gentleman's instrument. This is what I wish every HUMAN to experience at least once. Sound and vibration and letting it flow through you is a miracle beyond even what is after this life. ✨️ Love you all, and please 🙏🏽 please remember you are here, in this moment, alive and breathing. What a gift this is to be just that. Love you

  • @ApexChrisHansen
    @ApexChrisHansen 2 года назад +400

    I love the way this instrument was engineered. The way it’s tuned, the rods to keep your hands in position, the orientation of the strings… being without precision tools equipment etc. to build this instrument whenever it was originally conceived is really impressive.

    • @collinbeal
      @collinbeal 2 года назад +43

      Definitely a feat of engineering. Africa has mastered like no others the use of animal skins in developing instruments

    • @TheBanana93
      @TheBanana93 2 года назад +16

      @@collinbeal They have had a long time to do perfect it! We are all from there after all.

    • @arcang2102
      @arcang2102 Год назад +2

      The song 'Some ppl do & some don't.Some will some won't.Some of those know,what they want to do,where they want to go!blah blah, ho ho,nah nah,no no.Lol simple African songs from the Motherland that says alot. However,Rob Scallon plays the Gambian-Kora, alot like a Guitar & a Harp mixed in the same melodic composition.He's been jumpin around different countries,on all sorts of indifferent instruments.Its no-wonder how he can get on such an exotic instrument, and just emidiately, by experience,from being seasoned thru fast string technique,quick -n-impressively Rocked it!!Great upload!! Keep up the great work.

  • @Mercury-1820
    @Mercury-1820 2 года назад +326

    I’m Gambian and I’m trying to learning the Cora 💗it’s pretty cool seeing this

    • @tictacviral1226
      @tictacviral1226 Год назад +3

      Yes 🥰

    • @uncledan2u
      @uncledan2u Год назад +1

      All the best 👍

    • @hiyahiy
      @hiyahiy Год назад

      Don't bother. It's very challenging

    • @Mercury-1820
      @Mercury-1820 Год назад +44

      @@hiyahiy I’ve already started working on it. It’s more challenging if u have that mindset.

    • @okami1272
      @okami1272 Год назад +16

      @@hiyahiy This mindset can be self destructive, be careful with it!

  • @saltoftheegg
    @saltoftheegg Год назад +31

    My favourite part of these videos is watching the low key amazement on the guest’s faces when Rob picks up their unique instrument and starts playing with skill within a few minutes

  • @RingoLoadagain
    @RingoLoadagain Год назад +11

    I've loved kora music ever since I heard a great man named Malang Jorbateh playing in the subway one day when I was young. I saw him several times after that, always with a smile on his face, despite the subway stink and heat. It's a beautiful instrument and west African music should be appreciated by everyone!

    • @Sam-lr9oi
      @Sam-lr9oi 6 месяцев назад +3

      one of his relatives, Sona Jobarteh, is the first woman to play the kora professionally and how I learned about this lovely instrument!

  • @RobBroderick44
    @RobBroderick44 2 года назад +386

    The passage around 14:10 "some know something, some don't know" with the voices harmonized at the 3rd was rad !!

    • @samsanimationcorner3820
      @samsanimationcorner3820 2 года назад +11

      I'm still singing it myself, it's just a magical happy song.

    • @kattakid9884
      @kattakid9884 2 года назад +10

      Yeah definitely want that as a song

    • @Megamando93
      @Megamando93 2 года назад +3

      It's so beautiful, what a lovely tune.

    • @tobiasblackmoar
      @tobiasblackmoar 2 года назад +7

      imma need that in a full track

    • @SaltySeaCaptain
      @SaltySeaCaptain Год назад +7

      Music really is the universal language

  • @bobbyrogulski9340
    @bobbyrogulski9340 2 года назад +234

    Watching two musicians swap instruments and have a coherent jam session playing that which they have never before is nothing short of mesmerizing.

  • @jonkerr2050
    @jonkerr2050 11 месяцев назад +16

    It’s so amazing to see real musicians pick up an instrument and after a few minutes familiarizing themselves with it be able to improvise like that.

    • @brandonnguyen6718
      @brandonnguyen6718 11 месяцев назад +2

      Yeah. Also it's nice because they play each other's instrument like playing their own. Rob plays the kora like a guitar (Kinda) and Salieu plays the guitar like a kora (also Kinda). It's a given, but still pretty cool.

  • @no-lifenoah7861
    @no-lifenoah7861 2 года назад +23

    There's something beautiful to me about the fact that this version of a generations-old instrument full of the heritage and knowledge of many teachers passed down to their students just has a modern plastic clip on it. That's amazing, seeing a culture survive so long.

  • @brunolopes3784
    @brunolopes3784 2 года назад +548

    This is exactly why Rob Scallon is one of the best creators on the platform. He's been around for quite some time and yet still manages to be different and entertain us all. From the old battles with Davie504, his original music, the unconventional metal covers, etc.. Your creativity and dedication to this channel is very much appreciated. 👏👏

  • @davidsteinhour5562
    @davidsteinhour5562 2 года назад +187

    The African dude goes right to the most awesome syncopated rhythms. I absolutely dig it.

    • @gabrielfestini
      @gabrielfestini 2 года назад +11

      Most african music is like that yeap, must be so natural to him :)

    • @benja1378
      @benja1378 Год назад +1

      First of all the African continent consists of 54 different countries - generalizing a person (of whom you don't even know where they are from) into being "African" is so fucking racist and a continuation of colonialism.

    • @jonathanbarnes3061
      @jonathanbarnes3061 Год назад +4

      Lightness or heart music floats like dove.....🕊 🎶 ❤️

  • @rychu6101
    @rychu6101 Год назад +29

    The sound is like somewhere between a mandolin, guitar, and a harp! so pretty

  • @MatrakenKEN
    @MatrakenKEN 2 года назад +43

    I love that sound, it reminds me of a spanish guitar being played as a harp. It makes me nostalgic even tho it's the first time I hear it.

  • @nrr7106
    @nrr7106 2 года назад +397

    That sound is mesmerizing. Thanks for sharing!

    • @lred1383
      @lred1383 2 года назад +1

      Tbh it just sounds like a lute

    • @nrr7106
      @nrr7106 2 года назад +2

      LRED13 , Sure it does, however, I can speculate that the Lute can't play the lowest octave that this Kora can emit. Either way, it is a most intriguing musical instrument. Good day.😊

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 года назад +3

      @@lred1383 no it doesn't, man. Go and listen to Toumani Diabate. This is a demonstration. It's much closer to a harp in terms of its resonance.

  • @courage1024
    @courage1024 2 года назад +128

    I’ve honestly never heard of a Kora before. But I’m so in love with the way it resonates. It just makes me feel like laying under a tree and taking a nap. Super relaxing.

    • @pedrodazevedo9032
      @pedrodazevedo9032 2 года назад +4

      go and hear ali farka toure, listen to talking timbuktu album. the guy's from Mali but the sounds are really similar

  • @lhoward9597
    @lhoward9597 Год назад +46

    I love it, humanity at its best.
    Embracing cultural music and instruments,
    as we should be doing !!!

  • @michaelgroob3760
    @michaelgroob3760 Год назад +16

    Kora really blows my mind because of the way it has the bass, the accompaniment, and the solo all at the same time.

  • @Christopher_Wheeler
    @Christopher_Wheeler 2 года назад +160

    One thing I’ve always loved about your channel, Rob, is your respect for non western instruments.

    • @purplelord8531
      @purplelord8531 2 года назад +27

      when my parents heard his jam on the sitar, they were confused (almost disgusted), because it wasn't 'sitar music'. But Rob really is just purely curious - he doesn't pretend he knows or is teaching anything about the culture. He doesn't play stereotypical music of the instruments that he picks up, and he just wants to jam.

    • @chrisakaschulbus4903
      @chrisakaschulbus4903 2 года назад +10

      @@purplelord8531 "... they were confused (almost disgusted), because it wasn't 'sitar music'."
      Do people just like limitations so things can stick to a label? How would you ever make progress this way?
      And if i play mozart on PVC pipes it's still music and can be beautiful.

    • @shawnkay5462
      @shawnkay5462 2 года назад

      Agreed.

    • @eigengrau7698
      @eigengrau7698 2 года назад +2

      @@chrisakaschulbus4903 maybe because they were too accustomed to the sound it makes, thus creates the stereotype?

    • @chrisakaschulbus4903
      @chrisakaschulbus4903 2 года назад +1

      @@eigengrau7698 I'm getting somewhat good on the kalimba, I Iove this thing.
      But if someone were to complain about me not playing "kalimba music" i would have no idea what i should do with this information... :D

  • @FrankenSteinsGate
    @FrankenSteinsGate 2 года назад +192

    What a beautiful sound. It was especially interesting hearing him talk about being in conversation with the instrument itself, it really spoke to the respect he has for his instrument and the music.

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 года назад +18

      If you are interested to learn more, he is a griot. This is the tradition where one does not become a musician as such but is born into a pre-existing tradition. The kora playing is handed down from parent to child - you cannot become a griot, only be born one. The kora is representative of direct ancestral comnection. While song can also be involved, if i'm not mistaken, there can also be associated elements of storytelling. And there is a renowned female griot, also from the Gambia, i think, by the name of Sona Jobarteh. Toumani Diabate from Mali is also a maestro not to be missed.

    • @snowjix
      @snowjix 2 года назад +3

      @@mothratemporalradio517 Very interesting

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 года назад +2

      @@snowjix cheers! (:

  • @J3rs3y_G1rl
    @J3rs3y_G1rl Год назад +23

    Never heard of this instrument before. But man, I'm glad I know about it now. It's simply divine.

    • @azoe6764
      @azoe6764 Год назад

      My favorite kora Album is called "New Ancient Strings" it's a gorgeous vibe

  • @mahbubulhoque9644
    @mahbubulhoque9644 Год назад +27

    I don't know why these videos binges me to another world,all relaxed,makes me cry,makes me feel loved.

    • @doodoo2065
      @doodoo2065 Год назад +4

      Seeing new stuff and rediscovering the world makes us feel represented, even if we arent the people in the video nor from the same culture. I get the same feeling

    • @jayechristian9697
      @jayechristian9697 Год назад +5

      Hey, you're loved. You may not think it sometime, but let te sweet music give you what some cannot . Greetings from Africa ♾️

  • @johnnyc.3261
    @johnnyc.3261 2 года назад +60

    I love how art and music make us understand each other.

  • @wixspartan6584
    @wixspartan6584 2 года назад +165

    I found out about the kora through the wonderful music of Ballake Sissoko through the *master* of desert blues Ali Farka Toure. Malian music has become one of my favourite things to listen to in the last year. So glad such a great instrument is getting some recognition,

    • @GideonGleeful95
      @GideonGleeful95 2 года назад +4

      If you like them, I also recommend the Malian band Songhoy Blues

    • @127Kronos
      @127Kronos 2 года назад +2

      I agree with you. It's an amazing instrument. I also love listening to Toumani Diabaté. He and Ali Farka Touré have an album called "Ali and Toumani", I bet you've already listened to it. All the best to you.

    • @theflyingcrud
      @theflyingcrud 2 года назад +2

      Yes! If you haven't heard him, his son Vieux Farka Toure is absolutely fantastic as well. I had the great fortune to meet him around 15 years ago or so. The kora is such a beautiful instrument, music from this region is some of the best on the planet!

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 года назад +1

      @@127Kronos i adore Toumani Diabate and i love the interplay between him and Ali Farka Touré. By the way, have you seen Kronos bu Guillermo del Toro? (:

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 года назад +1

      @@theflyingcrud i do like Vieux's stuff as well. Chip off the old block!

  • @MuzikJunky
    @MuzikJunky Год назад +14

    Not just the Gambia, but Mali, too! It’s great to see such an open-minded metal musician. Peace.

  • @danielju9953
    @danielju9953 Год назад +30

    holy cow. this series is mind blowing. you can hear the spirit of the people and the culture in each instrument

  • @pierrebe4492
    @pierrebe4492 2 года назад +185

    I have always believed that Kora produces music that speak directly to the soul.

    • @JaMeshuggah
      @JaMeshuggah 2 года назад +4

      Ok

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 года назад +10

      It's definitely celestial. I know absolutely what you mean. Divinely moving, and a balm for everything that ails the heart.

    • @VestigialHead
      @VestigialHead 2 года назад +1

      I get what you are trying to suggest. Just a shame to use the word soul which describes something not real.
      Maybe "speaks to the inner mind" or directly to the sub-conscious.

    • @brandonmajor92
      @brandonmajor92 2 года назад +1

      cuz its open d alwas hits different

    • @MrJJandJim
      @MrJJandJim 2 года назад +3

      @@VestigialHead Why do you feel like you must talk down to this person for using a word that you don't like? You may call it what you like, but please don't insult people for their interpretation or choice of words. We are peacefully describing our feelings of music, don't be a sour note.

  • @rebeltug
    @rebeltug 2 года назад +59

    What I love about Rob is his desire to learn more and more about instruments that are considered unusual to many in our country. Some of them are old, and some of them are new. He always seeks to learn not only how to play the instrument or what it's used for, but also its story. Where it came from. What It means to many people in the originating country, and how it has an impact not only on their country and lives but the world itself.

  • @mothwings99
    @mothwings99 4 месяца назад +2

    I'm from California and was introduced to kora music by listening to artists like Seckou Keita and Mamadou Diabaté. It may be one of my favorite instruments ever, so this video makes me happy. I like how Rob compared it to Open D tuning since I used that to write my first song.

  • @lastgoodid
    @lastgoodid 7 месяцев назад +3

    The kora and the guitar together. Feels like Christmas tomorrow.

  • @murasakibara5501
    @murasakibara5501 2 года назад +55

    I played in a band playing West African drum music and rhythms for 10 years when I was a child. Our band leader, Gildas, was from Benin. We visited his home town for two weeks, and listening to this video really took me back to those sceneries. I'm sure the music from Gambia is very different, but to a relative outsider, especially the beautiful singing did remind me of the songs I heard in Benin. Lovely video!

  • @dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668
    @dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668 2 года назад +77

    He really isn't called a master for no reason, he's amazingly fast and accurate in his playing. Like the masterful strike of a Kingfisher swooping at its prey from overhead.

  • @andrewhammel5714
    @andrewhammel5714 Год назад +10

    A cross between a guitar and a standing harp. In both appearance and in sound. Fell in love with the sound when heard it on one track on an album of music from all over Africa in the Sixties.

  • @chug_n_toke8849
    @chug_n_toke8849 10 месяцев назад +5

    When he played the blessed Kora song.. the lights to my house started to flicker on.. beautiful song. Even the house liked it❤

  • @TheSpoonDeLauro
    @TheSpoonDeLauro 2 года назад +74

    Rob is so respectful and so friendly whenever he meets a musician. These videos are always so heartwarming and super interesting!

  • @VEE3RDEYE
    @VEE3RDEYE 2 года назад +206

    What a beautiful video. Felt like i was in the room with you guys.

    • @Time-cc2qb
      @Time-cc2qb Год назад +2

      Yeah so immersive and calming like a good old TV show

  • @arnab4utube
    @arnab4utube Год назад +19

    I love how these both gentlemen are bringing the exact positive vibes needed in a musical ambience... absolute calmness and frequent smiles... I don't know..maybe I am over wording it but that is exactly how I felt... loved it. And the hymn that Kora brings... eternal peace.

  • @prakashnarayanrath9915
    @prakashnarayanrath9915 Год назад +10

    Whatever language or form it is, music is always heavenly

  • @mgeib12
    @mgeib12 2 года назад +36

    I worked in The Gambia back in 2016. This makes me so nostalgic!! The kora master here exemplifies the calm, welcoming, smiling nature of the Gambian people. I love to see this! collab with him in the future please!!

  • @Kimsey47
    @Kimsey47 2 года назад +90

    Me: Picks up guitar for 20 years, still struggling... Rob: Picks up Kora for ~5 minutes, hammers out platinum album.

    • @yboy898
      @yboy898 2 года назад +6

      He's amazingly adaptive

  • @watsonwrote
    @watsonwrote 29 дней назад +1

    When Salieu sang while playing, I felt such a wave of emotion. What a great musician! Must have been such an experience to hear him and the kora in person

  • @TheSteveTheDragon
    @TheSteveTheDragon Год назад +82

    I'd be interested to hear more of this legend of Kora.

  • @avi4767
    @avi4767 2 года назад +19

    Rob has reached a point in understanding stringed instruments in general that he can pick up any new instrument and figure it out pretty quickly.

  • @clairee556
    @clairee556 2 года назад +48

    Rob playing these different instruments from around the world kind of gives off this like Bob Ross vibe. Idk how to explain it….

    • @maurits4845
      @maurits4845 2 года назад +5

      It's the wholesome vibe

    • @davidchidester5463
      @davidchidester5463 2 года назад +2

      My thoughts exactly. Major Bob Ross/Steve Irwin energy.

    • @Breeze1
      @Breeze1 2 года назад

      Rob Boss

  • @Troy665Z
    @Troy665Z Год назад +12

    I can't describe how much I love the respect of the dialog that can always be spoken between music. It is the soul speaking, breaking barriers

  • @freefree5453
    @freefree5453 Год назад +11

    I saw a man playing this instrument in the Animal Kingdom in Disney and I was amazed and enamored! I love the sound. The techniques he used to play that created so many different sounds and their functions was amazing to watch. Can’t believe I never had seen or heard of the Kora until now! Love the sound.

    • @jeremiahcowling3837
      @jeremiahcowling3837 Год назад

      I saw the same around the end of may, right after this video came out. I had a new appreciation for it, I had to stop my group to listen to a few songs. Thankfully we were all band folks and we all enjoyed it

  • @robertbrowning295
    @robertbrowning295 2 года назад +128

    When they are jamming together, it becomes super apparent how music can be a great uniting force; even across massively different cultural backgrounds! Great video, Rob!

  • @eyeofthebeholder_
    @eyeofthebeholder_ 2 года назад +17

    Some Mexican folk music includes the harp as an instrument and the compositions sound eeriely similar to what Salieu was playing. Crazy to think how much influence African music has all over the continent.

  • @TheButterflySoulfire
    @TheButterflySoulfire Год назад +13

    I love the sound of the kora. It’s so soothing. I’ve heard it in some Senegalese and Malian music as well.

  • @ray.b.75
    @ray.b.75 10 месяцев назад +4

    The fact that there has been an unbroken chain of father-son tutelage of playing this instrument for millennia tells us this instrument instills a kind of mystical level of success in people throughout eons.

  • @antomustaine
    @antomustaine 2 года назад +47

    This guy is pure peace. Soul healing boy, i enjoyed that a lot

  • @nether3428
    @nether3428 2 года назад +52

    I've fallen in love with every instrument you've had on your channel, with this being no exception. Seeing all the different instruments and the amazingly wide array of sounds thats all wholly unique to each of them is something I live for now lmao

  • @elijahreeves4890
    @elijahreeves4890 2 года назад +6

    recieved MULTIPLE chills while watching and listening to him play the Kora

  • @lettuce7378
    @lettuce7378 Год назад +11

    this instrument sounds absolutely BEAUTIFUL. i love it.

  • @brodskipod
    @brodskipod 2 года назад +58

    These videos about the non guitar instruments are some of the Robs' best videos and should get more views then they usually do :(

    • @avelinopereira9773
      @avelinopereira9773 2 года назад +1

      Exactly, he deserves more subscribers

    • @purplehatguy
      @purplehatguy 2 года назад +2

      The theremin and glass armonica ones are some of his most popular videos.

  • @bassslinger8191
    @bassslinger8191 2 года назад +24

    This is one of the most beautiful musical moments I have ever personally seen captured. When you were both singing and playing together in different languages, it furthermore shows music's incredible ability to bring us all together.

  • @HisRoyalJaznness
    @HisRoyalJaznness Год назад +12

    I love these instrument deep dives. This one in particular had me smiling so often throughout.

  • @spiritensemble
    @spiritensemble Год назад +8

    It's wonderful to hear this interview with the Kora master "living legend" Salieu Suso. Thank you!

  • @C64SX
    @C64SX 2 года назад +20

    Thank you Salieu Suso for showing us these wonderful instruments.

  • @wilfredojosuemontbenavides2237
    @wilfredojosuemontbenavides2237 2 года назад +9

    It's so cool how you can hear how African music had a big influence in south and central American music in the song he plays

  • @RagnarRipper
    @RagnarRipper Год назад +6

    Absolutely LOVED when you two sang together. I also love the Kora!

  • @killerbeat2554
    @killerbeat2554 Год назад +4

    The Kora has such a calming sound, i really want to listen to this more

  • @PetenarYT
    @PetenarYT 2 года назад +69

    God its really cool seeing Rob applying his guitar techniques to other instruments

  • @stealthyremote7424
    @stealthyremote7424 2 года назад +17

    when he brought out the second Kora and started playing i legit got goosebumps. such a beautiful sounding instrument!

  • @martinnikola1912
    @martinnikola1912 Год назад +3

    I just cought myself not skipping even 5 seconds and with a smile on my face whole 22 mins... Also finally a youtube reccomendation that is acctually something i liked and enjoyed.

  • @ytfp
    @ytfp Год назад +9

    My favorite video so far, the love is amazing. If you can not see that we are all brothers and sisters after watching this I don't know what to say. This was simply so beautiful to watch and listen to. The Kora sounds amazing and you both have so much talent.

  • @labhusky3
    @labhusky3 2 года назад +102

    Hey Rob! I absolutely love these videos and I seriously can't get enough of seeing you try out completely new instruments like this!
    As a Canadian with Inuit background, I'm curious if you'd ever try a tautirut (Inuit fiddle like instrument) or a qilaut (large animal skin and bone drum) Or both!

    • @devinward461
      @devinward461 Год назад +4

      I'd love to see that!

    • @OLskewL
      @OLskewL Год назад +4

      @@devinward461 same. God bless you all.

    • @jasonisbored6679
      @jasonisbored6679 Год назад +3

      if you want him to, you should probably find an artist who plays one online, and then ask him to play (the tautirut) with (that artist), not that I'd knkow.

    • @user-uy6xj9co4v
      @user-uy6xj9co4v Год назад +1

      The sound of a tautirut is so unique from the few recording i have heard it sounds like a violin and a jaw harp together

    • @user-uy6xj9co4v
      @user-uy6xj9co4v Год назад +1

      I'm from quebec city and i'm not in inuit regions, so do you know if the tautirut is common in those area cause i've seen not much information on the internet even with many hour of research just a couple of pictures and 2 recording

  • @azbababooey
    @azbababooey 2 года назад +22

    That Kora sounds amazing. It always trips me out with you that within minutes of picking up a completely foreign instrument you can produce beautiful music. That jam on the F Kora was really great. I know you’re playing in an untraditional manner, but it was working.

  • @derpatel9760
    @derpatel9760 Год назад +18

    This video was so wholesome and the Kora sounds SO PRETTY!!! I hope I can afford one one day and learn it and maybe play it as well as the guy in the video.

  • @austinmistretta8373
    @austinmistretta8373 7 месяцев назад +3

    Amazing how salieu makes it sing

  • @Stgpop
    @Stgpop 2 года назад +12

    Bro, this instrument is going to be my life for the next few days! The Kora sounds so beautiful, somewhere between a harp and a kalimba in my mind

  • @spacemissing
    @spacemissing 2 года назад +16

    I think it was in 1989 that I discovered Toumani Diabate's solo kora album "Kaira",
    which is musically beautiful and in some parts absolutely mesmerising.
    I am SO glad I bought it!

    • @lelocontemplanoanatureza8282
      @lelocontemplanoanatureza8282 Год назад +2

      E eu descobri Toumani Diabate através de uma parceria com o compositor brasileiro Arnaldo Antunes.

    • @liesalllies
      @liesalllies 10 месяцев назад

      I grew up listening to Toumani Diabete as well and Kaira is an album I come back to time and time again. It just feels like home to me.

  • @hopefulhyena3400
    @hopefulhyena3400 2 года назад +2

    I'm a simple man. I see a traditional folk instrument and I click play.

  • @mothratemporalradio517
    @mothratemporalradio517 2 года назад +15

    The kora is a sublime instrument. Thanks for introducing people to it! There is a female griot - Sona Jobarteh. Anyone who enjoys this instrument should ensure they don't miss Toumani Diabate, the renowned kora maestro from Mali. Peace! 🐢💜

  • @caseymiller3829
    @caseymiller3829 2 года назад +64

    Metalheads have the most diverse and wide tastes in music and instruments

  • @CrimeVid
    @CrimeVid Год назад +5

    I love this instrument, so pleasing. lovely gentle rippling sound.

  • @STSGuitar16
    @STSGuitar16 2 года назад +8

    Please never stop making videos like these. It's is one of my absolute favorite series on here, and I can't get enough new knowledge on other instruments like this. I have binged all of them several times now lol. It's just awesome to learn about instruments I know nothing about. So much so that I'd say that you could make amazing videos exactly like this but with even more common instruments like a trumpet or sax. As a strings player, horns in general are totally alien to me in how they're really played, and I could imagine the other side of that is true with some horn players not knowing much about string instruments. Point is, this series could be the encyclopedia of tons of great instruments. Musicians like myself love every single second of these vids.

  • @bananalips279
    @bananalips279 2 года назад +5

    I was just smiling throughout the video just listening to musicians just chilling together speaking the language of music is just awesome

    • @2btpatch
      @2btpatch 4 месяца назад

      I found myself doing the same. I felt so peaceful.

  • @justyngilliam4051
    @justyngilliam4051 2 года назад +39

    Keep the odd instruments content coming. I love that you’re expanding this side of history to everyone

  • @paulking2919
    @paulking2919 Год назад +4

    Musicians comparing notes, one of the most beautiful things to happen on this planet.

  • @raenfox
    @raenfox Год назад +4

    I love the look of this instrument. It looks so improvised. Body of wood and animal skin, strings of nylon, anchored with paracord which is tied to what appers to be a ring made from rebar. Shows that you don't need fancy materials to make something that sounds beautiful.

  • @andrewkessinger5966
    @andrewkessinger5966 2 года назад +4

    I love how these musicians have a look of appreciation for Rob’s unique techniques on their instruments.

  • @Roxfox
    @Roxfox 2 года назад +30

    Another beautiful video of beautiful instruments and the beautiful people that play them. These always take me someplace else and it feels fantastic every time. Thank you Rob. Thank you Salieu.