About
Roderick McLeod is a harp player for hire in Yarra Junction, VIC.
The kora is a 21 string West African harp, and Roderick McLeod learned it the long way: travelling through Senegal and Mali, studying under master musicians, alongside traditional drumming. He also builds instruments. Based in the Yarra Valley, he plays two to three 45 minute sets that move between traditional West African melodies and his own contemporary and ambient writing, and he collaborates widely with other musicians, dancers and visual artists. He can bring in a violinist, flute player or singer for a duo or trio. He also runs drum circles and can supply up to 60 djembes. His own small PA and lights cover audiences of 80 to 100.
Watch
The show
Roderick plays two to three sets of about 45 minutes on the kora, the 21 string harp from West Africa. The material moves between traditional melodies carried down through generations of players and his own contemporary writing, and hearing both in the same set is what shows you how much range the instrument has. There's a second thing he offers that changes the night entirely: he'll run a drum circle, with up to 60 djembes brought in, so your guests stop watching and start playing.
On the day
He travels with a small PA and lights, enough to cover a crowd of around 80 to 100 people comfortably. Allow him roughly 45 minutes on site before he's due to start. Kora tuning and a soundcheck aren't things to rush, so build that window into your timings rather than expecting him to walk in and play.
Performance options
Solo kora is the usual booking. Roderick also plays with a range of other musicians and can bring one in for a duo or a trio: a violinist, a flute player or a singer, depending on the mood you're after. Drum circle facilitation is the other option, either on its own or alongside a performance. He's open to unusual ideas, so it's worth describing what you've got in mind at the enquiry stage.
Insurance and paperwork
Public liability insured
