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Gotta Keep on is a compilation of tunes that were composed during the Covid shelter in place. These tunes are a culmination of my life in music. I like takes various elements from the music that I like and hopefully create something contemporary but with the feeling of the music that we played back in the day. I hope you enjoy my musical ideas and thoughts. Here’s a 30 sec bite of the songs:
1. Gotta Keep On
2. Brazil Beat
3. Chillin Funky Vibe
4. Sahara Sojourn
5. Dancin on the Water
6. Kahaluua Flower
7. Hikari
1. Gotta Keep On Gotta Keep On is a stew of African and Jamaican rhythms with a splash of a catchy melody to keep you moving. It became my anthem to “Keep on” through the pandemic, and I would play it every morning to get me moving. It features a vibrant solo by the wizard Masaru Koga on Suprano Sax.
2. Brazil Beat Got the idea from a Brazilian beat. It features the work of Masaru Koga on Tenor Sax and Robbie Kwok on Trumpet.
3. Chillin Funky Vibe Funky little piece that is creates just what the title conjures up.
4. Sahara Sojourn Sahara Sojourn was born when I continued to hear these various themes throughout the music of Mali and West Africa. Many of these melodies were orally taught by the Griots of this region from generation to generation dating back to the Malian Empire. The Malian Empire became the crossroads of North and South Africa during this era as was its music. So I imagined a trek across the Sahara from Mali to Egypt! This is collaboration between myself and the virtuoso violist from Kuching Maylasia, Nisa Addina. I fell in love with her tone!!! You can see the videos of the music here:
5. Dancin on the Water This song was created from a dream about some dancers, dancing on the water!
6. Kahaluua Flower Kahaluua Flower was inspired by the flowers of Hawaii. I am sitting by the ocean meditating on the flowers. Hawaii has such a variety of beautiful flowers. It features the brilliant playing of Philip Woo on the piano.
7. Hikari This tune came from the Kanji 光, Romanized hikari. The kanji光 means ray or light. It features the Suprano sax work of Masaru Koga who brings the light to the composition.
Musicians:
Masaru Koga – Suprano Sax and Tenor Sax, Flute, Bamboo Flute
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 Reserve