It would seem that a Senegalese griot singer who plays the traditional West African 21-stringed kora would have little to discuss musically with a German-born, New York-based jazz trumpeter. But today's cross-cultural fusions often transcend both geography and genre, and whether it was fate or design that brought together Ablaye Cissoko and Volker Goetze, it is we who are the beneficiaries.

Sira--which translates to mermaid and is the name of Cissoko's youngest daughter--is a demonstration of single-mindedness among two artists and a statement of respect between world-class musicians. Ablaye Cissoko, who comes from a centuries-long line of griots, or storytellers, is a master of intricate, lyrical string work and a vocalist whose deep emotionalism is conveyed in each line he sings. Volker Goetze is an accomplished trumpeter who has collaborated with some of the most important figures of the contemporary scene. Both are composers with an ear toward the future as well as the past.

Once they agreed to work together, Cissoko and Goetze realized that their partnership would have even greater cultural significance if their creative alliance could benefit the children of Africa. Thus, the artists are donating 10 percent of their profits from Sira to Tostan, an organization whose mission, says its Web site, "is to empower African communities to bring about sustainable development and positive social transformation based on respect for human rights." Tostan, which means "breakthrough" in the West African Wolof language, has been recognized by the international community for its groundbreaking work with villagers living in extreme poverty in remote areas. (Visit www.tostan.org for more information.)

Legendary music photographer Youri Lenquette (Keith Richards, Kurt Cobain, Lou Reed, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Bob Marley) captured Cissoko and Goetze in Senegal in an extraordinary photo-shoot during the recording of the album. The most striking images will be included in Sira's album packaging and the iTunes digital booklet.

"5 stars! Their serene dialogue, inspired by tradition and inventing a new vocabulary at the same time, is both thrilling and soothing." - Mondomix France

"4 Stars! Recorded in Senegal as a duet, Sira marks a true meeting of the minds. 10 delicate titles, a hymn to simplicity and to the universality of music. Beautiful." - Jazzman France

"Cross-cultural fusion at its most sublime; Cissoko's keening vocals and cascading kora underpin much of the album, with Goetze weaving delicate yet sturdy lines (on trumpet) when inspiration strikes and Cissoko responding in kind...Delightful, mysterious, and indeed, ground breaking." - Jazzwise UK

"A breath of fresh air, Ablaye Cissoko and Volker Goetze's Sira provides an oasis of calm in which to pause and rest, to reflect and be moved...to tears." - All About Jazz

"One is immediately struck by the stark beauty of this recording. It has a simplicity and mystery about it that come across as entirely natural, almost naïve, except that it's also quite sophisticated." - Audiophile Audition

"All pieces are performed entirely by the two musicians - no accompaniment - and listening to them is a fascinating entry into a world both exotic and mysterious." - Blogcritics

"Cissoko's world weary vocal delivery on "Bouba" echoes the trills from Goetze's sleepy trumpet lines - though there is no English translation to the song, you can feel the pathos." - Minor 7th

"This magical (and most unlikely!) intersection of culture produces a surprising result... Truly mesmerizing stuff." - Jazz.com

1. Sira 7:42 2. Domain Domain 3:24 3. Lountang 5:59 4. Gorgorlou 4:42 5. Faro 6:04

6. Badingwoo 7:04 7. Bouba 5:14 8. Bamaya 2:36 9. Sakhadougou 5:04 10. Manssani Cisse 6:20