by Lorraine Gibson
Known for bringing new and exciting cultural experiences to rural Dorset, Artsreach will deliver a fusion of age-old African and traditional American music to Blandford next month.

West African multi-instrumentalist, composer and member of L’Orchestra National du Senegal, Amadou Diagne, can trace his musical roots back through a long line of Griot – or storytelling – musicians.

He regularly performed as a concert percussionist and on West African television and, since moving to England, has forged his own musical identity, releasing acclaimed solo albums featuring the kora (a 21-stringed instrument), guitar and percussion, as heard on BBC Radio 3 and worldwide.

Franco-American guitarist and songwriter Cory Seznec comes from the American tradition of fingerpicking guitar, blues and ragtime, with three years in Ethiopia and Kenya enriching his style.

The pair say that when they met in a bar in Bath in 2007, they knew that one day they’d record together.

Thirteen years and many touki (journeys) later, they released their debut album, Right Of Passage.

Drawing heavily on traditional music and rhythms of West Africa, the kora dances playfully around the banjo and guitar. The calabash and other percussion add powerful, driving beats, all overlaid with entrancing, silky vocals.

The event takes place at Blandford Parish Church, 7.30pm, Friday, May 19.

Tickets £12, under-18s £6, family £30, from artsreach.co.uk.