This Week's Best Albums: January 11, 2011

Each week, editor-in-chief Chris Force and music editor Scott Morrow discuss ALARM’s favorite new releases in a download-able podcast.

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Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Ségal: Chamber Music (Six Degrees)

Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Ségal: "Histoire de Molly"

Combining traditional West African music with Western classical, Malian kora virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko and French cellist Vincent Ségal have just released their first collaboration, a beautiful and striking collection mostly of instrumental duets.  Sikssoko has released more collaborative albums than solo works, proving his instrument’s modern adaptability, and though this release doesn’t push too many boundaries, it’s an excellent fusion of sounds.

The harp-like sounds of the kora are a warm complement to the deep, vibrating strikes of the cello, which frequently shifts from bowed to plucked passages.  Chamber Music also features a handful of guest vocal and string parts as well as some light percussion, but at its heart is the interplay between these two dynamic musicians.