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African Dreams was sparked by hearing the music of West Africa. Quincy Jones once said that African music seems like it comes “out of the ground”. The music is very organic and feels like the earth. The music is past on as an oral tradition. There are families that carry on the music, dancing and stories called Griots. The rhythms along with the melodies are very different from western music. I was enchanted by the melodies of the Kora and how they weave rhythms together on the drums. I hope you enjoy my take on the music that I hear from Africa.
1. Kement
2. Cry of the Refugee
3. Fatoumata’s Vibe
4. Ramata’s Dance
5. Afro Lillikoi
6. Salif Vibe
1. Kement This was again inspired by melodies and themes that I heard throughout the music. I imagined that I was with a tribe and that we were on our way to Kement (an ancient word for Egypt). It features the Masaru Koga on flute and Robbie Kwok on trumpet.
2. Cry of the Refugee This piece was inspired when I heard Bassekou Kouyate who plays an instrument called ngoni from Mali. It features Grand Master Kenny Endo on Taiko. I had Kenny play the melody on the Taiko.
3. Fatoumata’s Idea for the vibe came from listening to Fatoumata Diawara. Fatoumata a contempory Malian artist. Her music reflects the culture she comes from and is a supporter of African issues!
4. Ramata’s Dance Ramata’s Dance was provoked when I saw a Youtube video of dancer in Mali. This features Masaru Koga on bamboo flute and Bobby Cobb on guitar.
5. Afro lillikoi Afro lillikoi is a brew of African and Jawaiian (Hawaiian reggae) inspired rhythms.
6. Salif Vibe This groove idea came from the Stevie Wonder of Africa Salif Keita. I love Salif’s music. If you ever get a chance go see him live!!! He sets the stage on fiiiire!
Musicians: Masaru Koga – Suprano Sax and Tenor Sax, Flute, Bamboo Flute
Robbie Kwok – Flugel Horn (Track 1 Kement)
Philip Woo – Keys
Makoto Horiuchi – Composition and arranging; Guitar; virtual instruments; Drums, Bass, Keys
Michael Ortega – All Things Digital
Khristina Gonzales – Graphic Design, Web Design, Social Media Wizard
I would like to thank all the musicians, engineers, consultants whose shoulders I leaned on and who contributed immeasurably to this labor of love.
Cover © Khristina Gonzales © Kultone Records All Rights Reserved