Press Release:
Mama Sissoko joins Vieux Farka Touré & Pee Wee Ellis
The final line-up is now confirmed for Frome Festival's world exclusive Vieux Farka Touré and Pee Wee Ellis gig, which takes place on Sunday 8 July. Not only will the people of Frome get the first chance to see the new Malian 'guitar god' on stage with our own Pee Wee Ellis, but Vieux's bandmembers prove world-class acts in their own right.
One of Mali 's best, and best-loved, guitarists, Mama Sissoko, has confirmed that he will be appearing with Vieux and Pee Wee in Frome. He will play alongside Oumar Touré, cousin and bandmember of Vieux's Grammy-winning father, Ali Farka Touré.
Guitarist, N'goni player, singer and songwriter, Mama Sissoko has been a leader in the Mali music scene since the late '70s. He has played a major role in many groups, performing a range of music from traditional percussion to Afro-pop, and his international reputation has grown rapidly since the release of his debut solo album in 1997. He is, alongside Ali Farka Touré, firmly among the ranks of West African guitar giants.
Oumar Touré, who played on many of Ali Farka Touré's albums, now takes on the same role of congas and calabash player for the new generation.
The event on Sunday 8 July will be a musical reunion for Pee Wee, Mama and Oumar, all of whom played on Ali Farka Touré's last album, 'Savane', which recently won the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music. To be able to reunite these world-class musicians, particularly as they will be playing alongside Ali Farka Touré's son, now a renowned musician in his own right, is an exceptional opportunity for Frome.
As Stuart Grant, organiser of this event, says: "We always knew that this meeting of musical minds would be incredible, but we could never have foreseen that Frome would be bringing together what really amounts to a 'supergroup' of African and American artists. And that it's all happening here, at the Cheese & Grain, for the Frome Festival, is just fantastic. As Vieux has said, it's bound to be magical."
Tickets are already selling fast, so don't miss out on this rare opportunity to see what will truly be an all-star band.
The event is at the Cheese and Grain in Frome on Sunday 8 July. Doors open at 7.30pm. For tickets, costing £13.50 (advance), book through the Festival box office on 01373 455420. African food will be available to purchase on the night, with profits going to the Mama Africa charity. The event, which is subject to permits and visas, is sponsored by BiscuitBox Ltd, Café La Strada, Raves from the Grave, Paslode® Spit, Red Star Frome.
For more details on this or other Frome Festival events, see www.fromefestival.co.uk .
For more information, to request photographs, interviews or press passes (which are limited)
contact Nicki Marshall at the festival office: 01373 453889; office@fromefestival.co.uk
Pee Wee Ellis - Official website - www.peewee-ellis.com
Vieux Farka Touré - Official website - www.vieuxfarkatoure.com
For additional information about the events mentioned in this Press Release click on the Event Titles below.
