Koné Express ‘Non Stop’ Album Launch – Melbourne

Travelling from his culturally rich and vibrant homeland of Mali (West Africa), following in the traditions of great artists before him such as Salif Keita.

Oumou Sangara, Toumani Diabate and Rokia Traore, virtuoso drummer and balafonist Bassidi Koné now brings his shining spirit and awe inspiring musical expression to Australia.

Joining forces with a band of energised, talented local musicians, Bassidi will be running percussion workshops and performing live with his Aussie based group Koné Express across the sunburnt country throughout May and June 2014.

Koné Express play a fearless and foot stomping set that navigates itself effortlessly through the realms of afro-jazz, Latin, trance and reggae.

On a rock solid rhythm section the young Koné weaves entrancing melodies on an enormous pentatonic marimba that originates from the Bobo tribes of Burkina Faso. Add to this a powerful horn section, dub keys, sublime guitar riffs and a world of tasty counter rhythmic grooves and you’ll find yourself embracing an urge to dance and rejoice.

Koné Express debut album ‘Non Stop’ was recorded in Mali and Melbourne mixed in Northcote, mastered in London and will be first available on CD and digi download on the Australian leg of their world tour.

Supported by: Australia Council for the Arts, Multicultural Arts Victoria, PBS 106.7FM, Beat Magazine and Melbourne Djembe.