Racines (Roots) is a beautiful encounter between jazz doublebass and Manding kora offered by musicians Laurent Perrault-Jolicoeur and Zal Sissokho. They are accompanied by Simon Ionas on piano and Christina Beaudry-Cardenas on drums, in addition to occasional visits from Djely Tapa on vocals, Donald Dogbo on percussion/drums, and Evelyne Méthot on cello. The general and sonic style of the program of eleven compositions shared between Jolicoeur and Sissokho oscillates between two contiguous poles: either jazz with Mandingue colours, or jazzified Mandingue. From the initial piece (“Après la fin” – ‘’After the end’’), the surprise will catch the attention of music lovers who know a little about their Mandingue sounds, that is, the appearance of a piano alongside the kora, something that is not very frequent. Nevertheless, the harmonies, the colours, the style are well linked to the roots of this so endearing music, while taking liberties usually foreign to the purity of the genre.
Sissokho has always been a remarkable explorer and he has very often participated in projects that strayed from his exclusive musical roots. The result is an artist who knows how to advance his instrument and the music he can invest in. The presence of Perreault-Jolicoeur, if not pushy, remains influential and prescriptive for the rest of the group, through a sober, respectful dialogue.
We particularly notice the beautiful attitude of Ionas’ piano, delicate but often evocative in his interventions, whether they are more in the realm of pictorial Impressionism or more typically jazz improvisation. The performances of Tapa, Dogbo, and Méthot, although fleeting, wisely and appreciatively elevate the moments they are given to express themselves.
Racines concert will also be presented at Bourgie Hall of the Museum of Fine Arts on March 12, 2026.
