Press & Booking
Kora & Oud meets Jazz — New York
“One of the world’s leading performers on the Kora…”
Bio
Performing on the 21-string Mandinka Kora and the Turkish Oud, Kane Mathis renders compelling interpretations that bridge West African tradition, Middle Eastern classical music, and jazz improvisation. His approach is simultaneously rigorous and adventurous, deeply rooted in authentic technique while reaching into new harmonic territory.
Kane began traveling to The Gambia, West Africa in 1997 and has continued rigorous study of the Mandinka Kora under Malamini Jobarteh of Brikama and Moriba Kouyate, among The Gambia’s most important musical exponents. His dedication earned recognition from the Gambian President and Minister of Culture, and both national television and radio of The Gambia.
Oud study began in Istanbul in 1998 with Mutlu Torun and continued through five and a half years with master Münir Nurettin Beken.
As a composer, Kane generates new works for both instruments alongside experimental electronic fixed media for film and modern dance. The Kane Mathis Trio performs an intimate, kinetic set that takes listeners from the ancient courts of the Mande Empire to the jazz rooms of New York City.
Awards & Recognitions
- First American Oud player invited to the prestigious Katara Oud Festival
- 2026 Intercontinental Music Awards Finalist
- Chamber Music America Award Recipient
- Earshot Jazz — Album of the Year
- Honored by the President of The Gambia
- Honored by the Gambian Minister of Culture
- Featured on Gambian National Television & Radio
Press & Critical Acclaim
“Mathis’ virtuosity is beyond question, as is his ability to absorb the deepest traditions of Malian and Arabic music and augment them with his own harmonic pyrotechnics and rhythmic flair.”
“I don’t know of any non-African kora player who can match Mathis’s technique and fluidity.”
“Kane Mathis is a brilliant musician… he displays both impeccable virtuosity and a profound understanding of the different musical traditions in his repertoire.”
“If fresh organic sounds are an endangered species, then Kane Mathis is Greenpeace.”
Ensemble
Trio format (3–5 musicians). Suitable for listening rooms, concert halls, festival stages, and educational/lecture settings. Kane is also available as a soloist or duo for intimate or workshop contexts.
Press Assets
- Press photos (coming soon)
- Technical rider (coming soon)
- One-sheet (PDF)