Baba Sissoko and Jean Philippe Rykiel present a national preview of a new recording entitled "Paris-Bamako Jazz". Baba Sissoko, Ngoni master, is a Griot percussionist and singer originally from Bamako (Mali), one of the greatest exponents of ethnic music and jazz in the world. Together with him, Jean Philippe Rykiel, French pianist and composer, former collaborator of Jon Hassel and Leonard Cohen, very close to African musicians of the caliber of Salif Keita, Papa Wemba and Youssou N'Dour. A deep-rooted and deep artistic connection was established between the two artists on the occasion of a first collaboration in the recording studio, a natural empathy which was then translated into a second recording work. The music of "Paris-Bamako Jazz" represents a fusion of rhythmic and harmonic interweaving of great impact.

A griot in many West African countries is a storyteller, singer and musician; it could be roughly translated as troubadour. One of the best known active griots is the Malian Baba Sissoko. Through participation in an opera project in Paris, he got to know Madou Sidiki Diabate and Lansiné Kouyaté, players of the kora and balafon respectively - both traditional West African instruments. The three musicians quickly built a strong musical bond, playing together incessantly before and after opera rehearsals, even during breaks. Almost imperceptibly, the material that can be heard on the album Griot Jazz was created. They decided to look for a recording studio in Paris and ended up with keyboardist Jean-Philippe Rykiel. However, during the preparations in his studio, Rykiel also became involved in the project as a musician. For Western ears, his additions counterbalance the traditional African instruments and make the album very accessible. Griot Jazz was recorded in one day and therefore possesses a wonderful organic spontaneity.