"...A tribute to the mesmerizing magic of this music that upon touching the heart, occupies a special, unforgettable sanctuary of celebration and gratitude. Ebaraka is another, moving example of the universality of musical communication that, through the vocabulary and comprehension of the heart, transcends lines of nationality, language and culture. A tender and poignantly noble fulfillment. Highly recommended."

- Reviewer: Tamara D. Turner, CD Baby

Who Else Loves The Music of The Gambian Kora? "The kora holds an enchanting magic that blesses it's player by bringing a peace through music that would not be possible using human hands alone. I've heard stories of the sound box of this instrument burning people's hands and being unwrapped only to have birds fly out of it, and the sound box is really just a peice of wood wrapped in cloth. In the music of the kora, and the traditional songs of the Gambian people, there is something so beautifully ancient that is impossible not to stop and breathe in and recognize the beauty around you"

If you have been looking for a new, seuthing sound to add to your mix of music, there is nothing as touching as the sound of the kora. And for those of you who are already kora lovers, this album is a "must listen" - a unique blend of traditional West African kora music, appalachian banjo, guitar, violin, and five beautiful, haunting voices.

Although the songs performed on "Ebaraka" are traditional songs, each Jali (kora player) must bring their own sound and style to the tradition, and this group of fine musicians has done so in a unique way, bridging the sound of the western descendant of the kora - the banjo - with the tones and rhythms of the ancient West African harp in a way that speaks to the heart and brings the tradition of the Gambia to the ear of the West.

Justin Handley spent a year in the Gambia, West Africa studying kora under the Jobarteh family, where he was given the name Bakary Jobarteh. On his return to the US he created an ensemble based on traditional kora music, but with the additional influence of the banjo - the kora's carribean baby.

With the skill of Phil Wisor on Banjo and guitar, and the beautiful voices of Judy Hoist, Elisabeth and Erin Weaver, and Rowan White, this album was compiled in about a months time in the deep winter of Western Massachusetts.

The album is traditional West African music, but with the dream aesthetic placed onto it by its current players reaches a new and beautiful place.

The proceeds of this album are currently being used to start an independant record label that will be dedicated to bringing more beautiful music by creative independant artists to the world's ear. Take this opportunity to add a new and beautiful CD to your collection while supporting the further creation of music by similar artists.

I know that buying music can be a risk. What if you don't like it? What if the sound isn't for you? Well, there is no need to worry about that!

Purchase "Ebaraka" Now for only $9.99 plus Shipping and Handling
(Total $12.74)