The Kora | Will Dudley

I had never heard of the Kora before last Saturday. I was in Flora Bowley's Bloom True workshop, when Will Dudley, a Portland based musician, set up a little spot in the middle of the studio and began playing his Kora. The Kora is a 21-stringed harp played by the Mande people of West Africa. The instrument is made from a large Calabash gourd, which has been cut in half and covered in cow hide.

Will sat amongst us and played pieces from his new album while we painted. It was pretty transcendent. His work is so beautiful and detailed. I bought his CD and have been listening to it all week. Its so soothing, like hitting a mental reset button. Please go get his album HERE. It's completely dreamy.