The Kora (21 string Gambian traditional instrument)

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  • Опубліковано 18 гру 2024
  • 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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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,3 тис.

  • @TheEvario
    @TheEvario 2 роки тому +4642

    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 роки тому +152

      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 роки тому +67

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

    • @MeriaDuck
      @MeriaDuck 2 роки тому +20

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

    • @andresavage416
      @andresavage416 2 роки тому +11

      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 роки тому +8

      Exactly, it's an incredible feeling, really relaxing

  • @therealandrew185
    @therealandrew185 2 роки тому +2581

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

    • @АндрейОвчинников-г6ц
      @АндрейОвчинников-г6ц 2 роки тому +6

      Скорее на гусли похоже.

    • @joermnyc
      @joermnyc 2 роки тому +126

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

    • @Swishy_Blue
      @Swishy_Blue 2 роки тому +202

      Or maybe the harp is the European equivalent to the Kora

    • @El_Chompo
      @El_Chompo 2 роки тому +40

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

    • @russellzauner
      @russellzauner 2 роки тому +11

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

  • @StarbornCthulhu
    @StarbornCthulhu 2 роки тому +709

    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 роки тому +28

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

    • @chrisakaschulbus4903
      @chrisakaschulbus4903 2 роки тому +74

      @@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 роки тому +28

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

    • @child666able
      @child666able 2 роки тому +2

      @@lilstinker1949 are you lost?

    • @bobbirdsong6825
      @bobbirdsong6825 2 роки тому +2

      That’s true. Most haven’t

  • @TheProject1177
    @TheProject1177 Рік тому +371

    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 Рік тому +8

      Made a guitar sound nicer than me my first time

    • @tahGladion
      @tahGladion 2 місяці тому

      C'est cela, l'abrutissement du leucoderme qui se croit tellement supérieur que sa condescendance l'aveugle sur la réalité des choses.

  • @gw669
    @gw669 2 роки тому +553

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

    • @daithiodonnell2825
      @daithiodonnell2825 2 роки тому +22

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

    • @tribestribes2555
      @tribestribes2555 2 роки тому +4

      No it is not. It,s really disgusting.

    • @nastybastardatlive
      @nastybastardatlive 2 роки тому +3

      Arguably is an understatement.

    • @yeetman4953
      @yeetman4953 Рік тому +21

      @@tribestribes2555 lol why

    • @lf1496
      @lf1496 Рік тому +16

      ​​@@tribestribes2555 JEALOUS much🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @saulgoodman1390
    @saulgoodman1390 2 роки тому +1116

    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 роки тому +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 роки тому +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 роки тому +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 роки тому

      Yes!

    • @jbasti227
      @jbasti227 2 роки тому +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

  • @mk_rexx
    @mk_rexx 2 роки тому +381

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

  • @Saltyarticles
    @Saltyarticles 2 роки тому +756

    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 роки тому +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 роки тому +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 роки тому +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 роки тому +1

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

    • @joeh858
      @joeh858 2 роки тому +2

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

  • @JF9
    @JF9 2 роки тому +93

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

  • @HollowSun
    @HollowSun Рік тому +241

    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 Рік тому +13

      Music is such a better language than words

    • @botezsimp5808
      @botezsimp5808 Рік тому +2

      Woman.. lol

    • @nomad3189
      @nomad3189 Рік тому +6

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

    • @boscorner
      @boscorner Рік тому +11

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

    • @ArtificialFertilizer
      @ArtificialFertilizer 10 місяців тому

      @@ChronoMune Try ordering food with music.

  • @gingerfloof777
    @gingerfloof777 2 роки тому +830

    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 роки тому +44

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

    • @artemesaulkov2010
      @artemesaulkov2010 2 роки тому +17

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

    • @DesertRatPainting
      @DesertRatPainting 2 роки тому +39

      @@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 роки тому +37

      @@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.

    • @qriofficial1769
      @qriofficial1769 2 роки тому +1

      like California's Voices of Africa

  • @janhanchenmichelsen2627
    @janhanchenmichelsen2627 2 роки тому +564

    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 2 роки тому +38

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

    • @benyahudadavidl
      @benyahudadavidl 2 роки тому

      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 2 роки тому +2

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

    • @jchrizzy6995
      @jchrizzy6995 Рік тому +4

      Fucking sick way to describe it, major facts

    • @jimjambananaslam3596
      @jimjambananaslam3596 Рік тому +4

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

  • @Bladavia
    @Bladavia 2 роки тому +893

    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 роки тому +53

      Astute comment.

    • @GizzyDillespee
      @GizzyDillespee 2 роки тому +32

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

    • @gramursowanfaborden5820
      @gramursowanfaborden5820 2 роки тому +62

      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 роки тому +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 роки тому +8

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

  • @efjay3183
    @efjay3183 2 роки тому +233

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

    • @hiyahiy
      @hiyahiy 2 роки тому +8

      Africans were in ancient Ireland so there you go

    • @irishakita
      @irishakita 2 роки тому +4

      @@hiyahiy what do you mean by ancient Ireland

    • @seanmcgonicigle_121
      @seanmcgonicigle_121 2 роки тому +4

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

    • @irishakita
      @irishakita 2 роки тому +7

      @@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 2 роки тому +2

      @@irishakita thank you for your history lesson.

  • @ashtonroffe
    @ashtonroffe 2 роки тому +972

    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 2 роки тому +33

      But will it djent? That is the question

    • @uncomfortableshirt
      @uncomfortableshirt 2 роки тому +8

      Most people could play this instrument pretty well at first try

    • @zachb8012
      @zachb8012 2 роки тому +4

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

    • @tabkg5802
      @tabkg5802 2 роки тому +4

      @@PlatinumSpoons if it plays it djents

    • @Sinstat
      @Sinstat Рік тому +3

      @@uncomfortableshirt not really

  • @ApexChrisHansen
    @ApexChrisHansen 2 роки тому +406

    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 роки тому +44

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

    • @TheBanana93
      @TheBanana93 2 роки тому +16

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

    • @arcang2102
      @arcang2102 2 роки тому +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.

  • @Navisworker
    @Navisworker 2 роки тому +684

    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.

    • @aoldatabase
      @aoldatabase 2 роки тому +60

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

    • @antoniomarcello9872
      @antoniomarcello9872 2 роки тому +14

      Ship it to him anyways lol!

    • @mr-mizu
      @mr-mizu 2 роки тому +11

      I'd take it. I already play

    • @Vorpal_Wit
      @Vorpal_Wit 2 роки тому +9

      What a generous offer! Very cool of you.

    • @brendandor
      @brendandor 2 роки тому +14

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

  • @bobbyrogulski9340
    @bobbyrogulski9340 2 роки тому +243

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

  • @aztecghost
    @aztecghost 2 роки тому +60

    These videos really highlight the important difference between "*show* me your instrument" and "I want to *learn* about your instrument".
    I feel like the musicians pick up on that difference and their passion shines through wonderfully.

  • @RastaMonn
    @RastaMonn 2 роки тому +62

    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

  • @brunolopes3784
    @brunolopes3784 2 роки тому +552

    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. 👏👏

    • @EthanRadell
      @EthanRadell 2 роки тому +3

      its because he collabs all the time. That is the best content.

    • @notalizardperson
      @notalizardperson 2 роки тому +4

      I remember when he only spoke djent.

    • @MikehMike01
      @MikehMike01 2 роки тому

      it is boring

  • @Mercury-1820
    @Mercury-1820 2 роки тому +327

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

    • @tictacviral1226
      @tictacviral1226 2 роки тому +3

      Yes 🥰

    • @uncledan2u
      @uncledan2u 2 роки тому +1

      All the best 👍

    • @hiyahiy
      @hiyahiy 2 роки тому

      Don't bother. It's very challenging

    • @Mercury-1820
      @Mercury-1820 2 роки тому +44

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

    • @okami1272
      @okami1272 Рік тому +16

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

  • @nrr7106
    @nrr7106 2 роки тому +395

    That sound is mesmerizing. Thanks for sharing!

    • @lred1383
      @lred1383 2 роки тому +1

      Tbh it just sounds like a lute

    • @nrr7106
      @nrr7106 2 роки тому +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 роки тому +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.

  • @jomiar309
    @jomiar309 2 роки тому +270

    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 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @saltoftheegg
    @saltoftheegg 2 роки тому +35

    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

  • @RobBroderick44
    @RobBroderick44 2 роки тому +388

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

  • @johnnyc.3261
    @johnnyc.3261 2 роки тому +60

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

  • @courage1024
    @courage1024 2 роки тому +130

    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 роки тому +4

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

  • @no-lifenoah7861
    @no-lifenoah7861 2 роки тому +30

    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.

  • @lhoward9597
    @lhoward9597 2 роки тому +47

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

  • @davidsteinhour5562
    @davidsteinhour5562 2 роки тому +195

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

    • @gabrielfestini
      @gabrielfestini 2 роки тому +12

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

    • @benja1378
      @benja1378 2 роки тому +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 2 роки тому +5

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

  • @FrankenSteinsGate
    @FrankenSteinsGate 2 роки тому +193

    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 роки тому +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 роки тому +3

      @@mothratemporalradio517 Very interesting

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 роки тому +2

      @@snowjix cheers! (:

  • @Christopher_Wheeler
    @Christopher_Wheeler 2 роки тому +160

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

    • @purplelord8531
      @purplelord8531 2 роки тому +28

      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 роки тому +11

      @@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 роки тому

      Agreed.

    • @eigengrau7698
      @eigengrau7698 2 роки тому +2

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

    • @chrisakaschulbus4903
      @chrisakaschulbus4903 2 роки тому +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

  • @rychu6101
    @rychu6101 2 роки тому +30

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

  • @michaelgroob3760
    @michaelgroob3760 2 роки тому +18

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

  • @rebeltug
    @rebeltug 2 роки тому +60

    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.

  • @TheSpoonDeLauro
    @TheSpoonDeLauro 2 роки тому +76

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

  • @wixspartan6584
    @wixspartan6584 2 роки тому +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 роки тому +4

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

    • @127Kronos
      @127Kronos 2 роки тому +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 роки тому +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 роки тому +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 роки тому +1

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

  • @paohermosin
    @paohermosin 2 роки тому +253

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

    • @MDkilgore
      @MDkilgore 2 роки тому

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

    • @meuconsagrado
      @meuconsagrado Рік тому +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" 🙂

  • @ray.b.75
    @ray.b.75 Рік тому +7

    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.

  • @murasakibara5501
    @murasakibara5501 2 роки тому +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!

  • @antomustaine
    @antomustaine 2 роки тому +47

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

  • @mgeib12
    @mgeib12 2 роки тому +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!!

  • @MatrakenKEN
    @MatrakenKEN 2 роки тому +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.

  • @waffleman9000
    @waffleman9000 2 роки тому +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 роки тому +184

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

    • @JaMeshuggah
      @JaMeshuggah 2 роки тому +4

      Ok

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 роки тому +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 роки тому +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 роки тому +1

      cuz its open d alwas hits different

    • @MrJJandJim
      @MrJJandJim 2 роки тому +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.

  • @robertbrowning295
    @robertbrowning295 2 роки тому +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!

  • @jonkerr2050
    @jonkerr2050 Рік тому +17

    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 Рік тому +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.

  • @arnab4utube
    @arnab4utube 2 роки тому +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.

  • @mahbubulhoque9644
    @mahbubulhoque9644 2 роки тому +27

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

    • @doodoo2065
      @doodoo2065 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +5

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

  • @avi4767
    @avi4767 2 роки тому +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.

  • @RingoLoadagain
    @RingoLoadagain Рік тому +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 Рік тому +3

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

  • @Mr.Monke27
    @Mr.Monke27 2 роки тому +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

  • @MuzikJunky
    @MuzikJunky 2 роки тому +14

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

  • @J3rs3y_G1rl
    @J3rs3y_G1rl 2 роки тому +23

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

    • @azoe6764
      @azoe6764 2 роки тому

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

  • @bassslinger8191
    @bassslinger8191 2 роки тому +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.

  • @PetenarYT
    @PetenarYT 2 роки тому +69

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

  • @VEE3RDEYE
    @VEE3RDEYE 2 роки тому +206

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

    • @Time-cc2qb
      @Time-cc2qb 2 роки тому +2

      Yeah so immersive and calming like a good old TV show

  • @Troy665Z
    @Troy665Z 2 роки тому +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

  • @chug_n_toke8849
    @chug_n_toke8849 Рік тому +5

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

  • @stealthyremote7424
    @stealthyremote7424 2 роки тому +17

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

  • @lastgoodid
    @lastgoodid Рік тому +3

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

  • @prakashnarayanrath9915
    @prakashnarayanrath9915 2 роки тому +10

    Whatever language or form it is, music is always heavenly

  • @andrewhammel5714
    @andrewhammel5714 2 роки тому +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.

  • @TheButterflySoulfire
    @TheButterflySoulfire 2 роки тому +13

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

  • @C64SX
    @C64SX 2 роки тому +20

    Thank you Salieu Suso for showing us these wonderful instruments.

  • @eyeofthebeholder_
    @eyeofthebeholder_ 2 роки тому +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.

  • @dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668
    @dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668 2 роки тому +78

    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.

  • @mothwings99
    @mothwings99 11 місяців тому +3

    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.

  • @elijahreeves4890
    @elijahreeves4890 2 роки тому +6

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

  • @brodskipod
    @brodskipod 2 роки тому +59

    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 роки тому +1

      Exactly, he deserves more subscribers

    • @purplehatguy
      @purplehatguy 2 роки тому +2

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

  • @wilfredojosuemontbenavides2237
    @wilfredojosuemontbenavides2237 2 роки тому +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

  • @azbababooey
    @azbababooey 2 роки тому +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.

  • @lettuce7378
    @lettuce7378 2 роки тому +11

    this instrument sounds absolutely BEAUTIFUL. i love it.

  • @spiritensemble
    @spiritensemble 2 роки тому +8

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

  • @Stgpop
    @Stgpop 2 роки тому +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

  • @andrewkessinger5966
    @andrewkessinger5966 2 роки тому +4

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

  • @mothratemporalradio517
    @mothratemporalradio517 2 роки тому +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! 🐢💜

  • @TheSteveTheDragon
    @TheSteveTheDragon 2 роки тому +85

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

  • @freefree5453
    @freefree5453 2 роки тому +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 2 роки тому

      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

  • @dnLTricky
    @dnLTricky 2 роки тому +15

    The pure joy in Rob’s face, just watching this absolute god play one of the most beautiful instruments ever created. I love it! Keep up the amazing work! I always love getting to see the musical side of other cultures around the world.

  • @Roxfox
    @Roxfox 2 роки тому +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.

  • @ytfp
    @ytfp 2 роки тому +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.

  • @henrystemme8009
    @henrystemme8009 2 роки тому +4

    Its currently 03:45 am and even though watching yt before bed isn‘t that good I am so relaxed just by watching these two enjoying each other so much
    Imma have the most relaxed sleep ever

  • @justyngilliam4051
    @justyngilliam4051 2 роки тому +39

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

  • @labhusky3
    @labhusky3 2 роки тому +104

    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 2 роки тому +4

      I'd love to see that!

    • @OLskewL
      @OLskewL 2 роки тому +4

      @@devinward461 same. God bless you all.

    • @jasonisbored6679
      @jasonisbored6679 2 роки тому +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 2 роки тому +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 2 роки тому +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

  • @HisRoyalJaznness
    @HisRoyalJaznness 2 роки тому +12

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

  • @derpatel9760
    @derpatel9760 2 роки тому +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.

  • @killerbeat2554
    @killerbeat2554 Рік тому +4

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

  • @STSGuitar16
    @STSGuitar16 2 роки тому +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 роки тому +5

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

    • @ForestGirlTeresa
      @ForestGirlTeresa 11 місяців тому

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

  • @RagnarRipper
    @RagnarRipper 2 роки тому +6

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

  • @watsonwrote
    @watsonwrote 8 місяців тому +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

  • @ElLenadorLA
    @ElLenadorLA 2 роки тому +1

    I could listen to that all day.

  • @martinnikola1912
    @martinnikola1912 2 роки тому +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.

  • @raenfox
    @raenfox 2 роки тому +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.

  • @andrejansson9649
    @andrejansson9649 2 роки тому +7

    Music lover who knows nothing about terminology.
    I love this swap-up when you and Salieu swap instrument and You accompany each other on instruments you don't know.
    It's insanely creative and skillful.
    I hope you'll make more songs and videos with the Kora!

  • @mono7891
    @mono7891 2 роки тому +1

    I thank UA-cam for bringing the world together. I knew about Gambia but did not know this beautiful instrument.......

  • @unclvinny
    @unclvinny Рік тому +1

    I heard Kora playing on a CD dictionary made by Microsoft 30 years ago, and I immediately fell in love. Simply joyful!

  • @TheEphemeralEternity
    @TheEphemeralEternity 2 роки тому +52

    That was so gorgeous. I am so impressed and even tempted to learn more. ^^

    • @pierrebe4492
      @pierrebe4492 2 роки тому +3

      if you want to listen more, can only recommand my two favorite kora player : ballaké sissoko, and toumani diabaté :)

    • @mothratemporalradio517
      @mothratemporalradio517 2 роки тому +1

      I second Toumani, my favourite, and i add Sona Jobarteh to this list - a female griot. Have fun exploring, you are going to fall in love!

    • @collinbeal
      @collinbeal 2 роки тому +1

      Listen to the album Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté - Ali & Toumani