Touki

TOUKI is a unique mixture based in Vienna, Austria. The ingredients come mainly from Dakar, Senegal, the music mecca of West Africa. Cheikh Ndao provides the spicy and exotic notes. The composer, bass player, and arranger worked with names like Youssou Ndour, Thione Seck, Baaba Maal, MC Solaar, and many other stars of the West African music scene before opening his guitar case in Vienna. The wonderful Senegalese singer Khady Mbaye, based in Paris, was first discovered by Youssou Ndour before continuing her career in Paris. Her voice carries the timbre of the sunset at the beach of Dakar. On percussion, the fantastic player from Senegal, Ibou Nga Ba, also based in Vienna. TOUKI is Wolof, the mother tongue of Cheikh Ndao, and means "voyage." Austrian pianist Julia Siedl adds rich harmonies, virtuous and groovy solos, and additional aroma to the band. She is a musician of many languages and has worked with great musicians from all over the world in various styles of jazz and world music. Last but not least, there is Harry Tanschek, one of the most in-demand Austrian drummers, who collaborated with Hal Crook, Chico Freeman, Lee Konitz, and Richard Galliano, just to name a few of a long list. TOUKI - Come and listen!