Tomas Rodriguez Discusses Toumani Diabaté, Kaira

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Brooklyn-based classical guitarist and music educator Tomas Rodriguez introduces Al to Toumani Diabaté’s 1988 album Kaira. Tomas talks about discovering Kaira during a visit to a New York record store and how his eclectic musical upbringing primed him to develop a deep appreciation for this album of Malian kora music. Tomas explains why Kaira is a spiritual album and how it has helped him to stay centered during tumultuous moments. He also discusses how this album influences his own music, and in particular, his latest album Whispered Awakening.To get Tomas’ music, schedule of live dates and more, please visit his website tomasrodriguez.com/. You can also buy or stream his music on Bandcamp at tomasrodriguez.bandcamp.com/.You can follow Tomas on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube at @tomasrodriguezguitar.Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.Excerpts from episodes are now available on YouTube at @YouMeAndAnAlbum. Please consider subscribing and liking!Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to www.patreon.com/youmealbum.1:34 Tomas’ introduction2:18 Tomas recalls when he was first introduced to Kaira and kora music6:11 Tomas and Al talk about the uniqueness of the kora as an instrument10:58 Tomas notes how the spirituality of Diabaté’s music drew him in14:53 It took Al a while to notice the variety across the tracks of the album17:30 Tomas explains how each track is derived from Malian standards19:34 Tomas discusses the circularity of Diabaté’s music22:36 Tomas and Al contrast and compare kora music with blues24:44 Tomas makes a case for listening to tracks from Kaira as one-offs26:56 Tomas talks about how Diabaté borrows specific lines from other genres29:46 Tomas explains how listening to Kaira helps him with his own compositions30:56 Tomas was influenced by a wide variety of musical genres growing up33:16 Tomas talks about the tribute to Diabaté he recorded for his new album40:02 Tomas revisits the lead-up to making Whispered Awakening43:42 Tomas explains why he founded the Tomas Guitar Studio in Brooklyn and how he uses Kaira in his instruction48:21 Tomas talks about teaching with Rick Beato’s materials50:21 Tomas talks about his upcoming showsOutro music is from “Mélancolie” by Tomas Rodriguez.Support the show