Event Info
Nomad in concert with Soundings Vocal Ensemble:
Ugandan world music star Kinobe and Canadian Virtuoso Guitarist Michael Waters
...
8:00pm - 10:30pm Doors at: 7:30pm
$15.00
Event Description
Ugandan world music star Kinobe and Canadian Virtuoso Guitarist Michael Waters
Kinobe, a young master of the 26 string African harp known as the Kora, and Canadian guitarist Michael Waters, will perform at the Gordon head United Church on Saturday June 27th. They are an acoustic duo playing a brand of world music that ranges from the intense to the dreamy. Both are virtuosos who have carved out their own styles rather than adopt an existing genre, performing only original compositions. Nomad was created in 2008 during a month long tour and recording session in British Columbia, Canada. Kinobe has been a rising force in the world and roots music scene in Uganda, recently finishing a seventeen-country African tour with his band Soul Beat Africa. Michael Waters, who only began performing publicly four years ago, after a lifetime of playing as a spiritual practice, has been building a following on the west coast, as well as performing in Europe, Africa and Arabia. They call Nomad’s style an ‘Afro-Canadian world music fusion’.
The two first met in Uganda in 2005, when Michael was recording local choirs for a charity he works with. “When I first heard Michael play, I knew we were walking in the same direction, only he was many years further down the path,” says Kinobe. It took two years to arrange to meet again, and in the Spring of 2008 they toured BC and recorded their self-titled debut CD. The CD was quickly signed for global distribution by the US-based world music label Rootstock Recordings.
Kinobe has been playing music since the age of five, and began touring Europe with an African ensemble when he was ten. Based in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, he spends much of his time travelling into the more remote parts of the country to play with musicians still steeped in the tribal traditional styles. His fascination with the Kora came from hearing the Mali virtuoso Toumani Diabate play. “As soon as I heard him play, I knew this was the instrument I would go deepest with’” says Kinobe. “Even though it is not a traditional instrument from my country, it still speaks to me of my land and people.” Kinobe also plays the kalimba (thumb piano) and percussion instruments in his shows. His music can be heard at www.kinobemusic.com.
“Kinobe’s sense of tone and rhythm with the Kora takes you very far,” say Michael. “You can feel the African earth and sky in his music, and you can feel his love of this music.”
Michael Waters has created a reputation through performances in west-coast churches and theatres over the last three years. After 20 years playing guitar as a spiritual practice he composed his first two songs, then played another 13 years until his encounter with the traditional medicine ceremonies of the Amazon triggered a 16-month wave of composition and a complete shift in his approach to music. He decided at that point to begin performing publicly. He combines soaring guitar virtuosity and a new genre loosely known as acoustic psychedelic chill. More on his music can be found at www.ladybirdmusic.com.
For the performance the duo will be joined by The Soundings Vocal Ensemble, a 29 person choir based in Victoria, specializing in eclectic music from all traditions. For this show, the focus will be on both African and original compositions.
Venue
Gordon Head United Church 4201 Tyndall Ave Saanich, BC
Open / Operational
In-Person Event
Sat. June 27th 2009 + Add to Calendar
Gordon Head United Church
