When Boulder-by-way-of-Canada newgrass musician and banjo virtuoso
Jayme Stone blows into town tonight to perform in Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall, he’ll arrive with more than just his five-string. Thanks to a seven-week stint in Mali, he’ll bring the knowledge and experience of two unknown musical ancestors, along with the
konou and the
juru keleni, one- and two-string predecessors of the banjo. He’ll also bring Mansa Sissoko, a Malian griot singer and master of the kora, a 21-string African harp. And he’ll bring his new, cross-culturally inspired album made with Sissoko, Africa to Appalachia — a testament to his recent polyrhythmic adventure.
“One of the things that is happening nationwide is a rediscovery of African music,” says Rodolfo Betancourt, marketing and publicity director for Swallow Hill. “That’s actually a very big deal. One of the exciting things that Jayme’s bringing is Mansa Sissoko, and I think that alone makes it very special, that this guy will be with him.”
Showtime is 8 p.m. at Swallow Hill, 71 East Yale Avenue. Tickets range from $12 to $18; get more information at www.swallowhill.com or 303-777-1003.
Fri., Oct. 17, 8 p.m., 2008
