Featuring Will Dudley on kora (West African harp), Michael Shay on cello, and Steven Skolnik on drums.
Rooted in the musical traditions of West Africa, the trio branches out into novel harmonies, unexpected time signatures and bold improvisation, inviting listeners into a musical experience that feels both ancient and new.
Will plays a baritone kora of his own design, tuned five whole steps lower than a standard kora. He studied the instrument in Gambia and Mali, immersing himself in traditional West African music, and now composes original melodies woven with funky bass lines. Michael brings emotive depth drawn from North American, classical and world folk traditions, while Steven anchors the group with sensitive nuance on a wide variety of world percussion.
November 7 @ Rainshadow Studios, Port Townsend, WA. Click here for tickets.
Previous Performances
September 15th, 7pm, at Artichoke Music.
September 13th, 8pm at the Aladdin Theater - with Vieux Farka Touré.
The kora is an ancient, 21-stringed harp played by the Mandinka people of West Africa.
I discovered the kora while studying at Ohio State, and took lessons with Professor Ryan Skinner. In 2015 and 2018 I traveled to West Africa, spending a total of five months immersed in the musical culture of Gambia and Mali. I trained with kora masters - learning the songs, history and customs that give the kora its voice.
Please contact me for booking inquiries, or to join mailing list