Marking the 50th anniversary of Terry Riley's pioneering masterpiece ‘In C’, Africa Express released the first African version of the minimalist classic, Africa Express presents… Terry Riley's In C Mali in January 2015. This new version was recorded at the Maison des Jeunes youth club in Bamako, Mali in 2013, and is led by contemporary conductor André de Ridder. The album features the cream of new artists from Bamako, among them Adama Koita, Bijou, Cheick Diallo and Modibo Diawara alongside Africa Express stalwarts Damon Albarn, Brian Eno, Jeff Wootton and Nick Zinner. Terry Riley’s ‘In C’ is often cited as the first Minimalist composition and continues to receive numerous performances around the world every year. Of In C Mali, Terry Riley said: "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."

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Africa Express Presents...Terry Riley's In C Mali