Rokia Traore plus Sweet Billy Pilgrim
27 April - 7 May 2010
Malian singer and guitarist Rokia Traoré defies categorisation, producing music that is both contemporary yet distinctively African. Arguably the most adventurous artist from the continent Traoré has explored a breadth of directions in her career. Her latest release on Nonesuch, Tchamantché, takes her on a new path into guitar-driven bluesy territory with dramatic results leading to critical acclaim.
Traoré is equally celebrated for her stunning live shows, and her last London performance gave a taste of just how good her new material sounds. The warm sound of a vintage Gretsch guitar combines with subtle percussive effects provided by human beat box and the n’goni played alongside the harp, accentuating her elegant emotive vocals
Named after a character in Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, Sweet Billy Pilgrim, led by their main writer and singer Tim Elsenburg, are exemplars of British atmospheric art-pop, and recently released their second album, Twice Born Men, on David Sylvian’s Samadhisound Label. The five-star review in The Sunday Times - “What makes it truly special is the way the indefinable floatiness of the verses is merely the springboard for a succession of delicious pop choruses” - served notice that it was no ordinary album. The unanimous critical acclaim for the album and their growing reputation for beautiful live performances, continue to win them friends and fans across the UK.
"Mali's most sophisticated singer is now leader of a rousing guitar band, and this was one of the African concerts of the year." - The Guardian
"Rokia Traoré’s Tchamantché is serene and beautiful. Her singing is intimate and her guitar style combines traditional Malian with modern." - The Observer - Mariam Doumbia, Amadou & Mariam
"One of the albums of the year. An absolute stunner." - BBC Radio World Service
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