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- Meeting of the Ancestors - My first collaboration
with Yaya, the master balafone player from Mali, was magical. The ancestors
were at work from the beginning. our instruments come from two different
cultures, yet when we struck the first notes, we found ourselves in
tune and in the same key, musically and spiritually.
- Guinea Bop - This is my Afro-bepop tune it
combines a variation of a Guinea rhytm called Kuku with a three part
harmony, mixed with a few improvised solos as you would find in a jazz
composition.
- Virginia Key - Virginia Key is located in
Miami, Florida. On into the 1960's, African-Americans were not allowed
on the beaches along the ocean. The beaches at Virginia Key were not
considered desirable real estate at this time, so it developed into
a very popular "Colored Beach." It is now on the way to becoming
an important historical site. Of course due to the dwindling amount
of available beachfront property, this was not always the desired outcome
some of this community had in mind for the key as my friend Qwanis will
tell you about.
- This Time Around - Reminiscing about my days
living in D.C. I wrote this jazzy tune with a D.C. "go-go"
flavor.
- I Cannot Plow, My Music is Playing - Zimbabwe
is home of the Shona people who have a unique family of Mbiras and music.
Their folklore includes a story about workers tending their crops while
an Mbira player plays to help set a pace, entertain them and remind
them of spirit. the Mbira player is playing so well that the workers
all stop to listen to the beautiful music. One of the villagers passes
by and asks "Why are you not tending to the crops?" One of
the workers siad, "I cannot plow, my music is playing." So
today whenever someone doesn't want to go to work, he will lay back
in the bed and say..."I cannot plow, my music is playing!"
Now here is your excuse to kick back.
- Marimbula Knight - The Marimbula is the weapon
of choice for this knight who wishes to capture the hearts of all he
meets. Marimbula is a member of the Mbira family that is played in Cuba,
Puerto Rico, Haiti and across the Caribbean. Many a love victim has
fallen to the song of the weapon of mass construction.
- Wild Walls - It amazing the way the master
Mbira players can play three musical parts, sing a song and do a dance
all at the same time. This is my attempt at three part playing. Give
me another 50 years to get the singing and dancing thing down.
- Silent Warrior - My Brother and I wrote this
in membory of our father who spent so much of his life working to provide
for our family, that we missed out on enjoying his wonderful presence.
He took such pride in our accomplishments and never complained about
the hardships he encountered in his life. This is dedicated to all the
fathers, the silent warriors, who struggle to give us a better life,
while quietly bearing the blows given by this society.
- Mystical ViBiraTion - In the beginning was
the "Word." That first sound, song, vibiration is the creative
and sustaining force of our existance. Vibiration or music permeats
everything we know. "ViBiraTion" has in it's center the word
bira. A "Bira" is an African ceremony that uses the Mbira
to create a special atmposphere. The role of all musicians is to first
understand the true nature of vibrations or music and then use that
knowledge to create music that promotes spiritual health and well being
in the community. "ViBiraTion" is the concept I adopt to create
music pleasing first the soul, then entertaining the mind.
- Samadi - This live recording was an example
of what can happen when we come together in the name of spirit, centered
around the Mbira playing of Kevin Nathaniel, one of the finest innovators
in the country on the Mbira, we created an atmposphere of pure joy experienced
by all who participated. I hope that you can benefit from the good time
we had.
@ jomo.calabashmusic.com
site map | jomo@jomovibes.com | play the online mbira | website by inasite.com
©2002 All Rights Reserved Mbira Music Productions.