We’ve written several times about Canadian banjoist Jayme Stone and his musical journey of discovery in West Africa. He traveled to Mali in the Spring of 2007 to research the aspects of the banjo’s historical roots as they are maintained in the musical culture of today’s Africa, and shared his impressions with us in a four part banjo travelogue.

His visit was inspired after Jayme had a chance to meet with Mansa Sissoko, a Malian musician and storyteller in the griot tradition, where history and culture are preserved in song. Now, the two have a CD ready for release where the North American and African banjo sounds are woven together. Sissoko performs on the kora while Stone uses a modern 5 string banjo.

Joining them are Bassekou Kouyate on the ngoni and Casey Driessen on fiddle. The project is entitled Africa To Appalachia, and is scheduled for release in Canada on June 28, and in the US on September 9.

Audio samples and more details can be found on Jayme’s web site. He will also be touring in support of the CD in Canada this summer and in the US in the fall.