When we first moved here, I was nervous about losing touch with much of the arts and culture that I had become accustomed to in the big cities. And there was always so much Afrocentric culture around. I wonered, will that be recreated, to any extent, in Boise?
I always love it when diverse artists come to this area.
And as you can imagine, this show really caught my eye.
Since music is the universal language, it's only fitting that AFROSONICS has chosen this medium to bring people with diverse musical influences together in the creation of an original music style. Audiences experience new vibes through a fusion of guitars, drums, percussion, keyboards, electronic soundscapes, vocals, dance and chants. Although most of the rhythms are of African and American origin, it's tough to put a label on their sound. Afrosonics incorporates music from all over the world and the root of each member intermingles to create something both classic and unique. In addition to their own music, the group draws an influence from other musical genres i.e. South American, The Caribbean, Funk, Southern American Jazz, Blues, Rock and others that capture the true essence of the African, American or Universal spirit.
MEET THE MUSICIANS The members of the group have come to Boise from different points on the African and American maps, each with a deep respect for their heritage and a special contribution from their respective culture. Dayo "Ariwo" Ayodele heralds from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. Community building and music are where his true devotion lie. He is the group leader. He helps with the musical arrangements and is a multi-percussionist and songwriter for the group.The origins of all music can be traced back to Africa and he honors this tradition by singing and dancing to African inspired songs any day, anytime.
Rachel Burke a singer and dancer, multi-percussionist has been drumming and dancing since a young age and has risen to the status of a Ethnic dance teacher. A native of Shawnee, Kansas and an instructor of several African Traditional dances including Malenke for her dance and music is her passion. A sentiment clearly shared by the other members of the group.
Jessica Dean graces the music with her infectious freestyle fingers on the keys and brings out amazing melodious soundscapes. She arranges music for the group and sings. She is a prolific keyboard player and a native of Idaho who brings an international flavor to her tunes.
Matt Fabbi values diverse styles and sounds and naturally gravitates to interesting cultural musical experiences. Originally from California, Matt is a freestyle master capable of rock, jazz, soul, and a spicy international blend. A tour de' force, he's a highly skilled instrumentalist who arranges and plays bass for the group.
Brad Nelson’ s impeccable timing and tasty hot sounds on guitar or sitar lends an eclectic sound or avant-garde funk with a crisp edge, the Idaho native is a musical force to be reckoned with.
Ricky Perez is the band's Kit Drummer. Also from Boise, Idaho, he's an accomplished musician with Jazz and Old school funk music influence. He lends a powerful rhythmic pallet and also help in the arrangement of the group’s eclectic music.
Ben Pursley is a Singer, Songwriter and Multi-Percussionist. Although he is an Idaho native, he is fluent in West African Guinean Drumming Language. He plays Djembe, Congas and other hand drums in the group. Ben learned extensive African drumming from teachers in various West African regions and has travelled to Guinea, West Africa in the pursuit of advancing his drumming skills with the help of master drummers. His talents and skills contribute to the group’s rhythm and percussion arrangements.
INTRODUCING THE NATIVE INSTRUMENTS Some of the drums and string instrument used in performances are the ancestors of a Western counterpart, some people may be somewhat familiar with the congas. However the beautiful Sitar and the huge Djundjun will be novel to most audience members. Other exciting musical experiences await with the Agogo, Shekere, Ngoma and Djembe.
SHARING THE SPIRIT Since their inception in the summer of 2010, AFROSONICS has performed at venues such as the World Refugee Day, Art in the Park, Boise 150th Celebration, Hyde Park Street Fair Festival and other social gatherings. Their eclectic blend of influences will surly help others appreciate the rich tapestry of world culture through the magic of music.
I always love it when diverse artists come to this area.
And as you can imagine, this show really caught my eye.
Since music is the universal language, it's only fitting that AFROSONICS has chosen this medium to bring people with diverse musical influences together in the creation of an original music style. Audiences experience new vibes through a fusion of guitars, drums, percussion, keyboards, electronic soundscapes, vocals, dance and chants. Although most of the rhythms are of African and American origin, it's tough to put a label on their sound. Afrosonics incorporates music from all over the world and the root of each member intermingles to create something both classic and unique. In addition to their own music, the group draws an influence from other musical genres i.e. South American, The Caribbean, Funk, Southern American Jazz, Blues, Rock and others that capture the true essence of the African, American or Universal spirit.
Post by Seth J Brown.
MEET THE MUSICIANS The members of the group have come to Boise from different points on the African and American maps, each with a deep respect for their heritage and a special contribution from their respective culture. Dayo "Ariwo" Ayodele heralds from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. Community building and music are where his true devotion lie. He is the group leader. He helps with the musical arrangements and is a multi-percussionist and songwriter for the group.The origins of all music can be traced back to Africa and he honors this tradition by singing and dancing to African inspired songs any day, anytime.
Rachel Burke a singer and dancer, multi-percussionist has been drumming and dancing since a young age and has risen to the status of a Ethnic dance teacher. A native of Shawnee, Kansas and an instructor of several African Traditional dances including Malenke for her dance and music is her passion. A sentiment clearly shared by the other members of the group.
Jessica Dean graces the music with her infectious freestyle fingers on the keys and brings out amazing melodious soundscapes. She arranges music for the group and sings. She is a prolific keyboard player and a native of Idaho who brings an international flavor to her tunes.
Brad Nelson’ s impeccable timing and tasty hot sounds on guitar or sitar lends an eclectic sound or avant-garde funk with a crisp edge, the Idaho native is a musical force to be reckoned with.
Ricky Perez is the band's Kit Drummer. Also from Boise, Idaho, he's an accomplished musician with Jazz and Old school funk music influence. He lends a powerful rhythmic pallet and also help in the arrangement of the group’s eclectic music.
Ben Pursley is a Singer, Songwriter and Multi-Percussionist. Although he is an Idaho native, he is fluent in West African Guinean Drumming Language. He plays Djembe, Congas and other hand drums in the group. Ben learned extensive African drumming from teachers in various West African regions and has travelled to Guinea, West Africa in the pursuit of advancing his drumming skills with the help of master drummers. His talents and skills contribute to the group’s rhythm and percussion arrangements.
INTRODUCING THE NATIVE INSTRUMENTS Some of the drums and string instrument used in performances are the ancestors of a Western counterpart, some people may be somewhat familiar with the congas. However the beautiful Sitar and the huge Djundjun will be novel to most audience members. Other exciting musical experiences await with the Agogo, Shekere, Ngoma and Djembe.
SHARING THE SPIRIT Since their inception in the summer of 2010, AFROSONICS has performed at venues such as the World Refugee Day, Art in the Park, Boise 150th Celebration, Hyde Park Street Fair Festival and other social gatherings. Their eclectic blend of influences will surly help others appreciate the rich tapestry of world culture through the magic of music.
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