Up Late with Sissoko, Segal, Parisien & Peirani

This frontierless quartet fuses neoclassical, jazz and West African kora music with infectious energy. Malian kora star Ballaké Sissoko and versatile French cellist Vincent Segal last performed at the International Festival together in 2021 with their neoclassical fusion of African and European traditions. After creating two albums together, they return to the Festival with jazz musicians, Émile Parisien and Vincent Peirani, on the soprano saxophone and accordion respectively.

Sissoko’s rhythmic kora plucking creates the beating pulse of the music, over which the musicians’ improvisations rise and soar. From the the lively buzz of Orient Express’ to the more meditative tones of Banja’, the group’s fusion music is warm, surprising and energetic.

Ballaké Sissoko Kora Vincent Segal Cello Émile Parisien Soprano Saxophone Vincent Peirani Accordion