Sound History Volume 1 tasters released
Can't wait until Sound History hits the shelves (in all its vinyl goodness)? Here are some tasters of the tracks. Don'y forget you can either buy the download using this player or you can get the limited edition 12" by visiting and ordering at http://bristolarchiverecords.com/vinyl.html
Enjoy!
AMJ Dub Collective Sound History Volume One April 23rd
AMJ's first 12" vinyl, a limited edition, will be released on April 23rd in collaboration with Sugar Shack Records/Bristol Archive Records. A Tribute to Bristol Sound Systems back in the day, it features The General on MC duties and Rob Smith with a brace of dub mixes.
The trio's aim was to recreate the classic reggae sound that they grew up with, yet they aren't afraid to bring things up to date where appropriate as well as bringing in some guest musicians for an added Latin twist that harks back to Jamaican music's origins and close links with Cuba and the wider Caribbean.
The idea for these tracks came from Mark Spence who felt it was long overdue to document in song the City's rich heritage of sound systems, their selectors, MCs and the posses who supported them, a tribute to the reggae scene that nurtured and inspired the members of AMJ Dub Collective as well as countless others over the decades.
The choice of Eric 'The General' on microphone duties was obvious as not only had he taken that role in Restriction, but was also an MC on legendary Bristol sound system Enterprise. His delivery has lost nothing in the last thirty years and it's great to be able to hear him again.
Rob Smith needs no introduction and although his career has covered the “Bristol Sound”, drum and bass and dub step, he has never drifted far from his reggae roots, having been a founder member of both Zion Band and Restriction, it's only natural that his mixing talents were called upon and he certainly delivers.
This is reggae for the twenty first century, yet reggae built on years of practice and skill, music played on real instruments by real musicians and not something programmed on a PC using the same tired digital effects, “Sound History” will be released as a limited edition 4 track 12” EP complete with picture sleeve, if only all new reggae was made with such care and attention.
www.bristolarchiverecords.com
TOUMANI DIABATE & CATRIN FINCH
We are happy to announce an Astar Artes-Theatre Mwldan-Chapter co-production ….. A breathtaking collaboration between two of the World's greatest musicians - Toumani Diabaté on kora and Catrin Finch on harp.
This is our third project with Theatr Mwldan, the intrepid musical adventurers based in Cardigan, Wales. Billy Cobham & Asere, Catrin Finch & Cimarron were great artistic and box office hits and we expect these upcoming shows to be an awesome experience not to be missed!
Toumani Diabaté is one of Africa’s most important musicians and widely considered the world’s finest living kora player. A performer of exceptional virtuosity and creativity, his pedigree goes back through 71 generations of kora players, from father to son. He has collaborated with Damon Albarn, Taj Mahal, Bjork and the late, great Ali Farka Touré with whom he won a Best Traditional World Music Album GRAMMY Award in 2006.
Catrin Finch, the “Queen of Harps” is one of Wales’ leading international musical ambassadors, she was Royal Harpist to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales from 2000-2004. Her concert appearances with the world’s top orchestras span the globe and she has worked with artists including Bryn Terfel, Sir James Galway and Julian Lloyd-Webber. Catrin’s highly successful recent collaboration with Colombian harp-based band Cimarron toured Wales three times.
Catrin and Toumani, harp and kora, Wales and Mali - a remarkable, unique experience.
- 26.03.12 Theatr Mwldan Cardigan 01239 621200 http://www.mwldan.co.uk/
- 27.03.12 Theatr Brycheiniog Brecon 01874 611622 http://www.brycheiniog.co.uk/
- 28.03.12 Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Cardiff 029 2039 1391 http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/
- 30.03.12 William Aston Hall Wrexham 01978 293293 http://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/AboutGlyndwrUniversity/Whatson/events/
- 31.03.12 Taliesin Arts Centre Swansea 01792 602060 http://www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk/
Seckou performing at TED Geneva
Seckou and his sister Binta performing at TED Geneva in 2011
ASTAR RELEASES 2012
A warm thanks to all those who came to the shows and bought music from our artists this year.
Stay tuned - we have a series of singles, EPs and albums for release across 2012 in a variety of formats,
CDs, downloads and vinyl from …….
SECKOU KEITA, ADAN PEDROSO & JUSTIN ADAMS, ASERE, and the AMJ COLLECTIVE
Introducing AKA Trio
★★★★ the Scotsman
AKA trio Antonio Forcione, Seckou Keita , Adriano Adewale
Performing at the Assembly main Hall - 14-19 Aug Edinburgh Fest 2011.mov
Saturday September 10th, 2011 11:05
ThreeWeeks - ED2011 Music Review: Antonio Forcione
There are no words to describe the greatness of this show. In the most epic trio of musical perfection I have ever come across, acoustic guitarist Antonio Forcione is joined by Seckou Keita on the kora and percussionist Adriano Adewale. Not only are the performers' musical abilities mind-blowing, but the passion and genuine joy of playing for others brilliantly shines on their faces and temporarily blinds you, so that, in the extremely rare occurrence that they make a mistake, you'll be none the wiser. Every single audience member was mesmerised by this performance; it is easily one of the best shows I have ever seen, in and out of the Fringe. It would be tragic to miss this.
Quotes
Antonio Forcione: "A major international guitar virtuoso ...Remarkable personal magnetism" JAZZFM - www.antonioforcione.com
Seckou Keita: "The Hendrix of the Kora" MUSIC NEWS - www.seckoukeita.com
Adriano Adewale: "A whole percussion orchestra by himself" British Theatre Guide - www.adrianoadewale.co.uk
★★★★ AKA Trio review from the Scotsman
Assembling a collective of international musical ideas, these three musical masters have beautifully captured a concoction of world music. Each equally skilled with a supreme knowledge of music, Forcione, Keita and Adewale allow their intricate fast running melodies to weave together and drive the music forward in a beautiful chase. Audiences are guaranteed a powerful and dynamic show of wit, personality and musical virtuosity.
By Jim Gilchrist
Published: 18/8/2011
AKA Trio. Seckou Keita, Antonio Forcione, Adriano Adewale in London 3 dates only
Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho
Sunday 11th December 1.30pm AND 8.00pm, Monday 12th 8.30pm
http://pizzaexpresslive.co.uk/jazzList.aspx
Due to the sold out popularity of the last London shows, here's another chance to catch them before the year is out. Tickets are selling fast!
AKA TRIO
Antonio Forcione - Adriano Adewale - Seckou Keita
When three world-renowned virtuosos unite, everyone has something to say.
"A one-off musical sensation. Unmissable"
The Scotsman
"Passion Grace and Fire"
The Times
"Breathtaking finger-work & musicianship”
New Statesman (Seckou Keita)
Asere project at Musicport 2011
Asere were pleased to be invited by Musicport and Music4U to work with students from Headlands school in Bridlington for three days and perform with them at the festival. Catch a glimpse with the film footage and photos here
SECKOU KEITA TO PERFORM AT TED GENEVA
Seckou Keita @ TEDxRC2
27th November 2011
Seckou will be one of the contributors at the Geneva conference discussing what can be done to multiply the power of humanity.
On Sunday 27 November, around 500 guests, including international and Swiss diplomats, local officials, the heads of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, corporate and financial leaders, academics, journalists, health professionals, volunteers, museum curators, scientists, economists and other 'doers and thinkers' will be invited to take part in a very special TEDx experience at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva. The European Director of TED, Bruno Giussani, will be the host and master of ceremonies. The event is being jointly organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Each of the speakers will share their unique thoughts and insights into what can be done to multiply the power of humanity. Afterwards, the Geneva guests will be invited to continue the conversation during a cocktail in the reception hall of the BFM – one of Geneva's most beautiful and historic buildings.
The main event will be webcast live to groups of people across the globe and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, who want to share in this unique experience.
you can watch the speeches and music live at:
http://www.ted.com/tedx/events/2400
ASERE head home to Havana
Asere return to Cuba having successfully completed their 3 month European tour. Highlights were the new acoustic show, as those who caught this unique experience will know, and several educational projects with some special moments.
From left to right: Fito, Flecha, David, Pata, Vicente and Luz.
Photo: Julie Carpenter.
CALLE 13 Unveils Video Featuring Toto La Momposina For Acclaimed New Single "Latinoamérica"
"Latinoamérica" the Latin Grammy nominated new single features guest vocals from Toto La Momposina and finds Calle 13 Capturing The Faces And Inner Soul of a Hemisphere. The video has been posted online and has already had over 2.5 million hits in 12 days.
Calle 13 calls for solidarity across the Americas in “Latinoamérica,” which features three tradition-stretching guest singers — Susana Baca from Peru, Totó la Momposina from Colombia and Maria Rita from Brazil — over a hybrid Andean rhythm, with Mr. Pérez rapping, “I am Latin America, a land with no legs that still walks.” – NEW YORK TIMES
"Latinoamérica is the most important song we have done, documenting what we were, what we are and what it means to be Latin American. I think that strengthens our identity and helps us to remember and never forget.” - Rene “Residente” Perez
Adan Pedroso Wins Grand Prize In John Lennon Songwriting Competition
We are very proud to announce that Adan Pedroso has been awarded the Grand Prize in the Latin category of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition for the song Romantica which is featured on the Asere album Destinos. Our congratulations to to both him and the band. Astar will be releasing a special maxi single with all previously recorded versions of the song in the very near future. Watch this space.
This is the second time in two years that an Asere song has won the award, following their success last year for the song Psicologia from their album Junio Groove.
This is a version recorded live in France in 2008.
Seckou BBC Bristol interview 2nd Oct
Seckou appeared on BBC Bristol to talk about himself and the upcoming Shumacher concerts (and Michael Jackson!).
Click below to hear the interview.
[audio:http://www.seckoukeita.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/bbc-bristol-interview.mp3|titles=bbc bristol interview]
ASERE ACOUSTIC
Asere start their tour this week. First stop St Ethelburga’s in London on Wednesday 5th – this venue is the perfect space to showcase their brand new acoustic show.
ASERE ACOUSTIC
Well-loved by audiences up and down the UK over the past thirteen years, Asere are one of the hottest bands to have emerged from Cuba in recent years.
This time Asere are here with a big difference, for this is an intimate, entirely acoustic performance, with the band located in the middle of an audience seated informally around them. There will be no microphones, no amplification and no PA system. Just a group of young and very talented Cuban musicians, an audience up close, fabulous music and the chance to experience a unique show, for both band and audience.
“Asere.. play great, slinky and rhythmic dance music.. as fresh and as adventurous as ever” Robin Denselow, The Guardian
“Quite sensational” Songlines
Colores BBC Bristol interview 25th Sept
Last sunday, Euridice and Oriana from Colores appeared on Alex Lewis' show for BBC Bristol to talk about the band.
Click below to hear the interview.
[audio mp3="http://www.astarmusic.co.uk/wp-content/images/2011/09/bbc-bristol-25-9-2011sm.mp3"][/audio]
Special one off Seckou Keita show for a new chapter
Beginning a new chapter of shows and recordings Seckou Keita performs at Acapela, Pentyrch, just outside Cardiff on Friday October 7th.
A converted chapel, this is a beautiful environment for the kora.
Seckou will be accompanied by his sister Binta on voice and brother Sura on percussion.
Come and share a magical, intimate, uplifting live experience! Seckou will be supported by the Colombian duo Marenco & Menjura.
Venue page - http://acapela.virb.com/venue
New Asere European Tour Dates Announced
Asere are now beginning a tour of the UK and Europe. the dates are on the live section along with box office numbers and website addresses.
16 September Torpoint Community College
23 September Royal Welsh College, Cardiff
28 September Wookey Hole Folk Club
1 October The Stables, Milton Keynes
5 October St Ethelburga's, London
7 October Rasa, Utrecht
8 October Tropentheatre, Amsterdam
13 October Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan
14 October Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea
15 October Mineral Line, Roadwater
20 October Colchester Arts Centre
21 October Bourne Community College, Southborne, Sussex
22 October Walberton Village Hall, Arundel
25 October Turner Sims, Southampton
28 October Fiddlers Club, Bristol
29 October Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Porthtowan
4 November Musicport festival, Bridlington
5 November Musicport festival, Bridlington
11 November N9, Eeklo
12 November Oosterpoort, Groningen
Asere at Zomer Van Antwerpen
Asere will be playing five shows at Zomer Van Antwerpen from the 9th to the 14th August.
To find out where they are playing, go to http://www.zva.be/daylist/production/detail/detail/68
After Antwerp they will then be touring Europe... more details to follow.
AKA TRIO Assembly Hall, Main Hall Five shows only, 15 – 19 August
When three world-renowned virtuosos unite, everyone has something to say.
Multi award winning acoustic guitarist Antonio Forcione from Italy, Senegalese griot kora player Seckou Keita and Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale will be performing together at this year’s Edinburgh festival as ‘Aka Trio.’ These three phenomenal, dynamic musicians are not just top of their game but the front men of their own bands too. Performing five shows only, this is a concert not to be missed.
we’re teasing each other with music,
it’s like a roller coaster”
Assembling a collective of international musical ideas, the musical masters have beautifully captured a concoction of world music. Each equally skilled with a supreme knowledge of music, Forcione, Keita and Adewale allow their intricate fast running melodies to weave together and drive the music forward in a beautiful chase. Audiences are guaranteed a powerful and dynamic show of wit, personality and musical virtuosity.
SEE THE TRIO IN REHEARSAL AT:
http://vimeo.com/27084678
SECKOU KEITA
WELCOME TO ASTAR SECKOU KEITA
We are pleased to welcome Seckou Keita into the Astar family and looking forward to working on a new chapter of shows and recordings.