Manden Express
At a glance
About this event
For the first time Manden Express will be playing their all new acoustic set which sees a return to a more traditional Malian Wassalou sound and bringing influences ranging from delta blues to contemporary jazz. Expect a headier mix of rhythmic signatures and hypnotic grooves.
Watch Manden Express here:
Manden Express – Djigui
Manden Express – Safo Safo
Manden Express – Fasso Denou
Manden Express is a thrillingly explosive Dublin-based international band, fusing traditional and contemporary styles of West African music from the Mande Empire of what is now known as Mali, alongside infectious Afrobeat rhyhms. Inspired by Wassalou (Oumou Sangare) styles and the explosion of new musical influences that merged with African music in the 1960’s it blends Kamele n’goni harp, djembe, and drums with Electric bass and guitar to produce stomping grooves and hypnotic time patterns
The septet is the only group of its type in Ireland, charged with rhythmic energy and weaving together a wealth of experience in African music and other styles like flamenco, jazz, funk and rock, with band members hailing from Sierra Leone, Venezuela, Spain, Peru and Ireland. Manden Express have appeared at Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, Bray Jazz Festival, Sligo Jazz Festival, Down With Jazz Festival, Hotter Than July and Culture Night amongst others. They have also supported international acts such as Quantic, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and The Souljazz Orchestra.
‘If Ireland has become a melting pot, Manden Express might be the band to provide its soundtrack’.
Down With Jazz.
‘Possibly the best piece of African music ever recorded in Ireland’.
Gerry Godley, Lyric FM.
Manden Express were like a cross between Oumou Sangaré and drummer Steve Reid’s Daxaar ensemble. Rhythmic mantras guided the pulsating set closer “Safo Safo,” which ebbed and flowed to allow guitar, kamele ngoni, percussion and drums to really stretch out.
AllAboutJazz.com
Band Members
Emma Garnett – Vocals
Paul McElhatton – Kamele n’goni harp
Paddy Groenland – Guitar
Tommy Moore – Bass
Jose Minguez – Guitar
Brian Lynch – Djembe
Cote Calmet – Drums
Location
22 South Anne Street
Venue details
Magistorium, located on the site of the legendary McGonagles, has been reincarnated as a magnificent theatre like venue that plays host to the most eclectic performances and cultural events you will find anywhere in Dublin, as well as offering guests the option to dine, a nod to its previous life as The Crystal Ballroom. Magistorium is a place that encapsulates the best elements Irish entertainment has to offer presented in a non-stereotypical way. Magistorium offers guests the hottest in traditional, jazz cabaret and world music, catering for all tastes, ages and interests. We are sure you will feel at home in Magistorium.
