In C Mali
January 28, 2015 2:12 PM   Subscribe

A documentary-esque, full-length music video for Africa Express's rendition of Terry Riley's In C.
The recording includes: Adama Koita on kamel n’goni; Alou Coulibaly on Calabash; Andi Toma on assorted percussion and kalimba; André d Ridder on violin, baritone-guitar, and kalimba, as well as conducting; Badou Mbaye (perhaps) on djembe and other percussion; Brian Eno, Bijou, and Olugbenga on vox; Cheick Diallo on flutes; Damon Albarn on melodica; Defily Sako and Modibo Diawara on kora; Guindo Sala on imzad; Kalifa Koné and Mémé Koné on balafon; and Nick Zinner and Jeff Wootton on guitar.
Olugbenga's diary of the trip. The WSJ on the group's origins. Previously
posted by Going To Maine (15 comments total) 49 users marked this as a favorite
 
In C is one of my favorite pieces, and this recording blew my mind when it came out recently. Can't recommend Africa Express's take on it highly enough. Thanks for the fantastic post.

In C previously on Metafilter
posted by the_bone at 2:29 PM on January 28, 2015 [1 favorite]


Whoa. Very psyched to check this out.
posted by SmileyChewtrain at 2:42 PM on January 28, 2015


This might be the most enjoyable version of In C I've heard yet. Of course, I'm a sucker for kora.
posted by uosuaq at 3:52 PM on January 28, 2015


Oh gawd, I drove my roommate absolutely nuts by playing my In C lp over and over in college. But if I was in a forgiving mood, I would flip it over and play Poppy Nogood and the Phantom Band...
posted by jim in austin at 5:10 PM on January 28, 2015


I prefer Shri Camel when it comes to solo Terry Riley stuff.
posted by uosuaq at 5:50 PM on January 28, 2015


But if I was in a forgiving mood, I would flip it over and play Poppy Nogood and the Phantom Band ...

posted by jim in austin at 5:10 PM on January 28


Two different albums, but I commend you on your taste!
posted by mykescipark at 7:24 PM on January 28, 2015


This is great! But is there a video with actual concert footage?
posted by moonmilk at 8:05 PM on January 28, 2015


Adding to the Riley love here, and this is a gorgeous take Every time I get to hear a new version or a concert with something I know so well from the original, there's a new dimension. The minimalists are not what they seem.

It's been a while since I listened to a lot of the sort of music I once spent so many evenings on, and I think it's time to revisit a - for some reason, only Steve Reich and Arvo Part have stayed on rotation, when once I went spelunking in quite different landscapes. I am sitting in a room, different from the one you are in right now...

(I could only take about ten minutes of the video, though, before switching tabs and leaving the audio running. I just can't take that much cross-fade zoom. Mali is rich in images...)
posted by Devonian at 10:39 PM on January 28, 2015 [2 favorites]


The instrumentation used for this version of In C seems so perfect for it, and the improvisatory flourishes the musicians have added lend it an extra something too: I love the end result, and it’s great that Riley loved it too. He was reported as saying “I am overwhelmed and delighted by this CD. I was not quite prepared for such an incredible journey, hearing the soul of Africa in joyous flight over those 53 patterns of ‘In C’. This ensemble feeds the piece with ancient threads of musical wisdom and humanity indicating to me that this work is a vessel ready to receive and be shaped by the spontaneous feelings and colours of the magician/musician. I could not ask for a greater gift for this daughter’s 50th birthday.”
posted by misteraitch at 1:35 AM on January 29, 2015 [4 favorites]


A new & immersive experience of a piece I've known since the Riley CBS l.p. purchased in the early '70's. I had no inkling of this version, Going To Maine; I'm much obliged.
posted by On the Corner at 2:27 AM on January 29, 2015


woah. THANKS!
posted by Theta States at 11:36 AM on January 29, 2015


This is wonderful, thanks.
posted by klausness at 11:54 AM on January 29, 2015


In C previously on Metafilter

Are pretty well almost all of these 2009 links which are on YT downed by copyright now?
posted by ovvl at 7:31 PM on January 29, 2015


This is brilliant. Thanks.
posted by the sobsister at 8:02 PM on January 30, 2015


Pitchfork's review
posted by Going To Maine at 2:09 PM on February 6, 2015


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