Balafon meets grand piano, an unheard sound
Most people do not know that the name Diallo is a prominent West African name and originates from Senegal, among other countries in that region. Claude Diallo was given this name through his Senegalese step-grandfather, who adopted his father during the second world war in France. Since childhood Claude feels connected to African culture through his uncles and aunts. But only in 2023 Claude was invited to Senegal to perform a Tribute concert to Randy Weston at the St. Louis Jazz Festival. There he met Djiby Diabate, a famous balafon player and after their performance at the festival, a musical friendship evolved in which the two music cultures from Western European lyricism, mixed with American Jazz roots and West African music traditions. This collaboration is unique and the combination of balafon with grand piano creates an unheard sound.
Soon several tours were organized in Europe, which led to a recording of their debut album SUNU TRIO in 2025. The album was released in March 2026 (physically) and in August 2026 (digitally). Aminata Khass, the wife of Djiby Diabate and a popular singer in Senegal joined the duo and toured with a band, consisting of Swiss bass player Gabriel Meyer and drummer Emanuel Riederer. Their live-stream recording of March 2026 in Chur at Handmade Music Studios of Andy Reich was well received and can be watched on Youtube.
