Alpha Yaya Diallo
With roots in Guinea, West Africa, guitarist and singer
Alpha Yaya Diallo is one of the hottest acts on the current world music
scene. With the impressible enthusiasm of their live performances, Alpha
and his band Bafing promise an inspired show as part of the Sizzling
Summer Nights Festival on July 26 2006 at 8:00 pm.
Now based in Vancouver, Canada, Diallo has earned a
matchless reputation internationally. A uniquely multi-talented artist,
Diallo’s dexterous acoustic and electric guitar playing with its fluid
melodic lines and compelling grooves, places him in the front ranks of
African axe men. In addition, he is a skilled performer on a variety of
percussion instruments, including the balafon (traditional wooden
xylophone).
Paul Gravett, ArtSpring’s executive director, realizes
that the bands rhythm will inevitably drive the audience out of their
seats to dance. “Alpha’s live energy is so great that we are removing part
of the stage so our patrons will have even more room to enjoy the show.”
To complete the abundance of riches, Diallo writes his own
compositions and sings with a supple and beautifully modulated voice. By
successfully uniting the traditional and the contemporary, Diallo has
carved a niche for himself beside such West African luminaries as Salif
Keita, Baaba Maal, Youssou N'Dour, and Ismael Lo.
In recent years Diallo has criss-crossed Canada and the
United States, garnering rave reviews wherever he goes for his masterful
performances. He's been invited to an ever-increasing number of festivals,
sharing the stage with the likes of David Lindley, Thomas Mapfumo and
reggae stars Jimmy Cliff, Third World, and Burning Spear.
Chris Rubin of Rhythm Magazine explains “...whether in
lead or ginger picking style, for his musical creativity as well as his
expressive voice, Diallo ranks easily as among the most exciting and
appealing African artists to ever hit the United States.”
In February 2004 he was a member of the hugely successful
African Guitar Summit with Pa Joe, the Mighty Popo, Madagascar Slim, Adam
Solomon, and Donné Robert. The African Guitar Summit CD received a JUNO.
Alpha Yaya Diallo performs as part of ArtSpring’s Sizzling
Summer Nights Festival, which is sponsored by
Pegasus Gallery of Canadian
Art.
As an added bonus, Alpha will be leading a drum session on
Wednesday July 26 at 2:30pm. This free event will take place in the meadow
beside ArtSpring (Jackson and McPhillips). Some drums will be available
for loan, but patrons are also encouraged to bring along their own rhythm
instruments.
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