Tuesday 7 September 2021

Sona Jobarteh, Edinburgh Academy Junior Scholl, Edinburgh International Festival

 An even larger 'polytunnel' for this performance, but just as well organised and socially distanced as the one at Old College, and a fine place to watch live music.  

A four piece band to back up virtuoso kora player Jobarteh, on drums, electric bass, guitar and percussion.  The latter played by one of the world's happiest and most engaging musicians!  West African rhythms, some excellent solos, notably from the guitarist, and Sona's soothing vocals, with a mix of tempos from ethereal to rousing. and with encouragement from the stage for the audience to clap along, and even join in the singing (phonetically of course!).  

The band were joined by Jobarteh's fourteen year old son, already well steeped in the traditions of Gambian music history, and a considerable talent in his own right.  His lead solo playing a kind of wooden xylophone was extremely impressive.

A refreshingly different and inspiring gig, which left the audience buzzing.


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