A soulful blend of African fiddle, talking drums, and jazz. Imaginary Homeland weaves lyrical melodies and percussive grooves into a potent blend of African and American traditions.
Jazz composer David Rogers left his Missouri roots and his music conservatory training in the States to spend two years living in the home of master drummers in rural Ghana. Living in a thatch hut through dust storms and rain seasons, he studied the native drum language and history of the talking drum.
When he returned, he formed Imaginary Homeland with three other American musicians whose combined experience stretches from Ghana and Uganda to the hills of West Virginia and downtown New York. Marlene Rice's soaring violin and Matt Pavolka's acoustic bass find the string sound in each of these traditions, while percussionist Mark Stone drives the rhythm.
In their new CD, JUMP FOR GEORGE, Imaginary Homeland finds vivid connections between these and nearer American musical roots. The results will delight music lovers looking for a fresh sound rooted in the traditions of both Africa and the Americas.
**********
"With praises to a dozen genres and fealty to none, this quartet is creating an original vocabulary that endorses both jazz and folk as equal partners in their own musical nation." - Dirty Linen Magazine
"The synthesis of jazz and world music is nothing new, of course, but… Rogers' pieces could only have been conjured via one thoroughly invested in the multiple traditions being considered-think Coltrane's relationship to Indian music and its spiritual birthplace as a reference point." - Global Rhythm Magazine
We are very excited about playing at such an awesome jazz club. We have some great sets lined up for you, so don't miss it. Friday and Saturday November 20th and 21st, 5:00-8:30p at Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago
Aaron Koppel -Guitar, Matt Nelson; (Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos) -Keyboard, Graham Czach; (Chicago Afrobeat Project) -bass, Robert Tucker (Matthew Santos) -drums
Hey, just saying hi! Catching up on my comments. Got new music, new CD and a new official website. Should come check it out. Also new music on iTunes.....comment me back!
Online Now!
