Eufórquestra - Explorations In Afrobeat
Eufõrquestra - Explorations In Afrobeat
A fusion of Nigerian and Cuban music rooted in Yoruba tradition
(CD) Eufórquestra Productions, 2006-03-24
Tracklisting :
01. Elegua
02. Ogun
03. Obatala
04. Intro to Chango
05. Chango
06. Intro to Ochun
07. Ochun
08. Elegua Outro
Links :
euforquestra.com
myspace.com/theeuforquestra
Musicians :
Matt Grundstad - Percussion, Vocals
Josten Foley - Drumset, Vocals
Mike Tallman - Guitar, Vocals
Eric Quiner - Keyboards, Vocals
Adam Grosso - Bass, Steel Pan, Vibes, Vocals
Ryan Jeter - Tenor Saxophone, Vocals
Austin Zaletel - Alto Saxophone, Vocals
(The saxophones are collectively known as The Stank Horns)
Press Release :
Euforquestra is an eclectic world-beat ensemble from Iowa City, IA with interests in different cultural and traditional musics from all over the globe. The band has made a mission statement out of preserving different traditions, undescriminatingly trying anything at least once and fusing different styles that appeal to them. The self-proclaimed "Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk" touches on such genres as Afrobeat, Afro-Cuban, Samba, Soca, Funk, Reggae, and Bluegrass.
Although the band is most commonly categorized as a jamband, the appeal of their music reaches out to any and everyone with an "inclusive 'everyone get in here'sense of humor" (as put by Iowa City music critic, Jim Musser).
Though the band is only 2 years old, they have performed in several states in the midwest and in festivals like Moe Summer Camp, Spookstock (Schwagstock), Bockmans Campout and this June, Wakarusa. The band will also be making appearences in a couple Colorado music fests. In addition to these festivals, Euforquestra hosts its own annual celebration of community and music, where nearly 700 of the areas fans have gathered for 5 bands in an entire day of music.
What makes this band special is that something new is always being performed by Euforquestra as new projects drive the band into further musical studies. For example, "Explorations in Afrobeat," the bands recent release, is a fusion of western african and cuban musics rooted in the Yoruba tradition. Having had 2 members study in Cuba, the band dives deep into a rich tradition of Cuban rhythm and song evolved from the Yoruba tribe which was brought to Cuba as well as other countries years ago during the slave trade. Here is where the band connects essentially two branches from the same tree.
Check out Euforquestra. You'll hear something new, you'll dance, and you'll be sure to have a good time.