Following a guest spot when ZubopGambia played the Queens Hall, Narbeth, we were thrilled when the fantastic vocalist Molara accepted an invitation to collaborate with us. Those of you into your dub will doubtless know Molara from her days with the mighty Zion Train, but she is a woman of many talents. With the bloodline of Fela Kuti flowing through her, she brings her own inimitable style to the proceedings.
So, May 2008 saw the band converge on Hendre Hall in Bangor, where a kicking night was enjoyed by all. Big shout to the crew of Byd Mawr (Big World) who run one of the slickest, most relaxed, most fun night to be found in the UK. (You can see photos in the slide show below.) Check their programme for the rest of this season! Thanks guys. Next was the Electric Palace in Bridport, where a full house danced the night away. And with visits lining up to Lincolnshire, Lithuania, Amsterdam, the Blackhorse Festival in Battle and the Thames Festival we are looking forward to the rest of the summer. Details will go up as they are confirmed.
ZubopGambia is a collaboration between London-based worldbeat music group Zubop and the West African master musicians Mosi Conde (vocals, kora, balafon, guitar, djembe) and Njega Sohna (djembe, talking drum, vocals).
For the past twenty years, Zubop have been performing throughout the UK and in continental Europe, playing their unique blend of original music, which is influenced by many musical cultures from around the world. They have released four widely acclaimed CDs and played many major festivals including WOMAD and Glastonbury.
Mosi Conde is a Griot who has played with many bands in West Africa and is now resident in London where his kora playing and singing are in great demand.
One of the emerging young generation of Gambian musicians, Njega Sohna is a stunning djembe player. He played on several tracks of Zubop's CD 'Tekezze', which Observer critic Dave Gelly described as optimistic, unpretentious and hugely accomplished.
In Winter 2003 a number of new collaborative pieces were composed for an Arts Council backed tour of the UK. Some pieces highlight the parallels between us and some the contrasts. ZubopGambia brings together the musical interests and influences of everyone involved - the performances include not only traditional West African pieces, but elements of jazz, township music, pop, reggae, blues and many other styles. This was a collaboration with the wonderful Gambian musician Juldeh Camara - singer and riti player (one-stringed African fiddle) and master drummer Njega Sohna.
The tour included medium and large-scale venues; successes included selling out the 400-seater New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, and playing to an audience of 1,000 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. The final concert at Ronnie Scotts, London ,where fRoots magazine said ZubopGambia managed to raise the roof, giving a new focus and energy to Zubops jazzy-latin-reggae-afro-blues mix, was released as a live album in July 04.
In Spring 2005 a tour was organised with partners SETA, with additional backing from the Arts Council and PRSF; it played to capacity houses with audiences getting up to dance even in seated venues. The show featured specially commissioned visuals by Evan Manifattori, who has worked with Boy George and Tricky.
Theres a spark about it all which is downright infectious......... fRoots
The reason this bands music always seems so fresh is that it is constantly finding new things to get excited about. Irresistible, high-spirited and full of fun .........The Observer
A whirlygig of world beat sounds .........Jazzwise
Our venue was rockin by the end of the night!........... Sara Robinson, Director, Ludlow Assembly Rooms
I hope all is well and good and I just wanted to let you know I've just put up a new track called ECHO so I thought you might want to have a listen. :o) It's just the instrumental version I did not long ago but I do have a full section of vocal to arrange into this track so I'll keep you posted on the outcome! :o)
I appreciate your time and support and any comments posted.
Do you like fiddle music? Are you a fiddler? Then join us in the Fiddle World - sometimes called the Facebook for Fiddlers!
http://fiddleworld.ning.com
It's free to join and we're always looking for new members...see you there
We hope you can come to our gig at Bush Hall, Shepherd's Bush on Friday. Spread the word to your friends. It'll be a great party.
Its the launch party for our new album "Baka Beyond the Forest" that was released on Monday
You can hear clips on our website (www.baka.co.uk) and our Myspace page.
One Love!
Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.
Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment.
Opponents confront us continually, but actually there is no opponent there. Enter deeply into an attack and neutralize it as you draw that misdirected force into your own sphere.
True victory is self victory
Have a great year, Much love and light heading your way.. Gx
Check out our newest mixtape officially hosted by a Major Artist! Just click the cover to download all the Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes for free at www.coast2coastmixtapes.com!
Artists click below to submit your music to be considered for the next Coast 2 Coast Mixtape hosted by a Major Artist!
Ce lundi Jam exceptionnel au Baiser Salé dans le cadre du Blue Note Festival: "Virginia Constantin sings Sarah Vaughan's music" Guest: Frédéric Gaillardet piano, Laurent Robin batterie, Francois Constantin percus Felipe Cabrera c.basse, Virginie Constantin chant.
"At last a follow up to Janette Mason's sparkling debut as leader. Alien Left Hand ....was well worth the wait…” Production **** Performance**** -- BBC Music Magazine
“…an album fizzing with fresh ideas and delights, an exhilarating musical journey .. with brilliantly original writing and inspired playing…” -- Helen Mayhew
"Every track from the rhythmic ‘NY Cab Ride’ and restless ‘4 Wheel Drive’ to the brooding ‘Mae’s Song’ has a terrific hook but it’s the way Mason switches tempo and moods that makes ALH great fun. " -- Diva Magazine
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