Another day, another sun-soaked visit to the Jazz stage. In high spirits after a lovely shower and some strong coffee, I ambled off to Jazzworld for some African delights with Seckou Keita.
	The field is chilled, most people far too into soaking up the rare gift of good weather to get up and dance, but the music is still commanding full attention. Three banks of drummers employing congas, djembes and a few less recognisable creations provide an impeccable, intricate backing for the three Kora players at the front, with one electric bass underpinning things with fat deep notes, warm chords and harmonics of his own. A traditional instrument constructed with nothing more complex than a large gourd, some wood and nylon fishing-line strings, Kora is played with the thumbs and first fingers ("Very easy!" says Keita - easy for him to say!)
The musicians are all highly skilled, pouring the notes out like water: clear, sparkling and fresh. The combined sound is many things - joyful, beautiful, pure and warm; every refrain, every note and beat perfectly and elegantly positioned. Smiles and cheers all round as they finish another mellow piece, then the drummers get out their sticks, really BEAT the drums, and you just have to dance… An extended, upbeat jam brings the show to a climactic close. "ONE MORE!" is the requested next move, but despite our cheers and their appreciation the band have to say goodbye (damn those tight schedules…) It's enough, though, that the feeling we are left with is that of sunshine inside as well as out.
Words & Pictures: Marilyn Kahan