Jali Fily Cissokho

Senegalese Kora player at the Phoenix Picture House bar
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One of the aims of Zen in art is to eliminate the boundary between self and technique: in short, to become the art. Fily plays the harp-like Senegalese Kora with such joy, pouring himself into the sound with an utter lack of self consciousness, that he becomes the music, and the music becomes something more than just pure sound. It becomes nearly spiritual.

With twenty-two strings and a versatile, velvety voice, Fily’s music flowed over us, clear and rich as amber. There was something liquid, something so pure and light in the powerful sounds that when I closed my eyes I imagined gently floating boats and envisioned drowsing outside in warm dappled sunshine. I remembered, clearly, the comfort of being tucked into bed by my parents when I was very young.

When I opened my eyes Fily’s smile was infectious, and the faces looking back at him were calm, happy. I left feeling both calm and refreshed.

Fily has a semi-regular gig at the Perch Inn. More info on upcoming shows can be found at www.kaira-arts.co.uk.

Skye Hohmann, 16/02/07


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