Dances of Lake Volta

by Kinetic

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1.	Dusime 05:35	buy track
2.	Aklie 04:35	buy track
3.	Komfo Anokye 04:34	buy track
4.	Akoo Kofi 03:02	buy track
5.	Damba Suite 05:49	buy track
6.	Another Day 04:43	buy track
7.	Oye 04:47	buy track
8.	Nyento 03:51	buy track
9.	Kekele 04:28	buy track
10.	Dama Dama 05:32	buy track
11.	Subo 05:19	buy track

about

Dances of Lake Volta emerges out of Songs of Lake Volta, a 2018 album that wove together nine Ghanaian folk songs with original chamber music. After completing Songs of Lake Volta, I imagined the same songs in a more vibrant, energetic context, and began to rewrite each piece to greater and lesser effect. These re-compositions, to which is added one additional piece based on a Ghanaian folk song, and an original afrobeat composition by Ghanaian musician Samuel Boateng, comprise Dances of Lake Volta.

At the heart of Dances of Lake Volta are ten folk songs from several ethnic groups within Ghana. These songs were learned from traditional musicians in Ghana over several trips to the country. For me, the songs cultivate a wisdom, beauty, and elegance that is mysterious and beautiful. I strove to preserve their integrity while creating original music to “dance” alongside. The final versions of these pieces were also shaped by the members of Kinetic, who added new ideas and nuances.

Kinetic is committed to supporting traditional music, musicians, and artists in Ghana. 40% of profits from Dances of Lake Volta will support the following Ghanaian cultural organizations: artists from the Jamestown Boutique, the Tamale Youth Home Culture Group (YHCG), and the African Heritage Dance & Drum Ensemble.

credits

released August 13, 2021

All tracks are Ghanaian folk songs with original music composed by Joseph Sheehan, except ‘Another Day’ (composed by Samuel Boateng).

Anita Levels: vocals (1, 11)
Mariko Reid: vocals (2, 3, 5, 7, 8), background vocals
Samuel Boateng: composer (6), vocals (4, 6, 10), organ (6), wurlitzer (6)
Roger Romero: alto, tenor saxophones (6)
Reggie Watkins: trombone (6)
Maya Brown-Boateng: background vocals (6)
Anthony Ambroso: guitar, composition (10)
Joseph Sheehan: piano, rhodes, mbira, kora, gyil, background vocals, percussion
Claude Flowers: bass
PJ Roduta: percussion, gyil
James Johnson III: drums, percussion

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about

Kinetic Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Utilizing a unique blend of global folk traditions and contemporary jazz, Kinetic’s performance efforts celebrate multiculturalism, wisdom, and unity.

The ensemble has performed at concert halls, art galleries, universities, jazz clubs, and outdoor music festivals, at venues in Toronto, New York City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. ... more