In C Mali, Louis Vuitton Foundation, 2017

Following successful performances of ‘Africa Express presents…Terry Riley’s In C Mali’ at Tate Modern , Ruhrtriennale , Holland Festival and Les Nuits de Fourvière , Africa Express were invited to perform the piece in the exceptional surroundings of the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris in May 2017.  This African version of the Terry Riley classic was first conceived following our 2013 trip to Bamako’s Maison Des Jeunes. In keeping with Riley’s instructions, the performance is partially improvised. Each instrumentalist is free to chose the number of times they repeat one of the 53 short phrases which make up the piece. This creates an unending musical kaleidoscope, with different interpretations and musical nuances each time the piece is performed. For this performance, the piece brought together contemporary composer André de Ridder with 16 different musicians playing instruments as diverse as kora, balafon, guitar, peul flute, delta harp, kalimbas and more.  This time Africa Express were delighted to be joined by exceptional artists including Cheick Diallo (flute), Hawa Kasse Mady of Trio da Kali (vocals) and guitarists Afel Bocoum, Bryce Dessner (The National) and Romeo Stodart (The Magic Numbers).