This was the culmination of twenty years of work dating back my days in the mid 1990s on the lower east side, with Gabe Roth and pounding the pavement in search of other musicians who wanted to rock like this. The album was recorded over three nights at the Apollo Theater. I’m glad it’s finally out for the world to hear.
New Music: Ocote Soul Sounds "Sal Si Puedes"
“Get out if you can”, is the best translation. A lot of things to get out of, a lot of things to get into. I wrote this and played the instruments, drums, bass, clarinets, flute, saxophones. My inspirations on this were Yusuf Lateef, Cymande, and RZA. Enjoy the vibe, and stay safe.
Keleketla! Collab with Coldcut & Friends out now!
A new collaboration with Coldcut, Tony Allen and a cast of musicians from South Africa, the UK and beyond.
New Music: "Lamentos"
Hey world. I hope you are safe and sound and protecting yourself and your loved ones.
I’ve been working in a new lane of data sonification (turning datasets and numbers into sound).
This is related to that, but turning feelings into sound. It’s a series called Lamentos - quick improvisations, and snapshots of how I’m feeling and what vibes I’m absorbing on any particular day as we get deeper into this global crisis.
It is called Lamentos. A lamento (lament in English) is an expression of grief.
Upcoming Antibalas tour dates postponed
Hey world.
I’m flattered that in this moment of global chaos you dropped in on my website. Here’s what’s new.
I just got off the road from three weeks of touring with Antibalas beginning in Southern California and wrapping up in Denver.
The shows were great energetically, musically, and emotionally. Just a day or two after we finished the leg of touring, we began to get reports of widespread venue closures and health alerts from both inside and outside the United States to halt any large-group events. That put a wrap on all of our remaining touring (about 35 or so shows) between now and the end of May and possibly beyond.
So I (and the rest of the other musicians and my whole musical community) are posted up at home (or worse, stranded on the road) with little to no income for the foreseeable future except for any royalty checks that might be on their way. (My last one from ASCAP was for $66.14).
If you are in a position to help, visit Antibalas.com - you can buy our music there, arrange an online music lesson or consultation with one of the musicians or just kick us a love offering.
NPR Weekend Edition Interview →
My bandmate Amayo and I were interviewed by NPR’s Scott Simon of Weekend Edition to discuss our latest Antibalas album “Fu Chronicles.” LISTEN:
New Antibalas Single : Amenawon
From the upcoming album "Fu Chronicles" - out February 7th. Pre-order/stream single now: https://daptone.ffm.to/bwav9ee.oyd
New music from Antibalas: ‘Fu Chronicles’
Antibalas releases the 7th LP “Fu Chronicles” on Daptone Records, Feb 7 2020 with worldwide tour dates.
Orquesta Akokán Nominated for a Grammy
Congratulations / felicidades to Orquesta Akokán for the Grammy nomination for their latest release on Daptone records. I was honored to have to privilege of writing the album’s liner notes.
Read / listen here: https://www.orquestaakokan.com