JAJA MATSIMELA
"Musical performance,whether live or recorded,should cut into the consciousness and heart of a listener with the same care and precision that a diamond cutter cuts into a stone."
Such is the philosopy of Kwasi, percussionist and leader of the 'World Music' band JaJa Matsimela. The Flavors of Africa, Brazil, Cuba and the Caribbean convene with the sounds of Motown, Philly, Blues from the Delta, and Jazz from 52nd Street to propel the listener into a world alive with thought and movement. This provocative- by - nature band's mix of arrangements is smooth and balanced. Just like a cut diamond.
The group's recent release of two tracks (BluesSauce and Carmen Carino) made for a fiery and soulful listening experience, powered by urban rhthyms and melodies, cultural versatility and a jazzy African back-beat.
JaJa evolved form an idea Kwasi had when he wanted to lay down more fiery arrangements to Reggae, Blues and Jazz.
The members of JaJa are: Kwasi (Congas, Bongoes, Timbales, principal songwriter, and arranger); "Big Bill" Williams (Music Director, Flute, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Sax); Laurent "LB" Bass (Harmonica, Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Sax); Harry Rosario (Bass); Jeff Johnson (Drums); Isaac Castro (Piano).
On stage the personalities are juiced and alive, wether its LB blowing fire riding the rhthym of his sax, Isaac burning up the keys of his piano, Harry giving life new meaning through his bass, Jeff's magnetic grooves, or Big Bill cracking jokes during his gusty playing. " And Big Bill's playing can make your hair stand on end" says Kwasi.
None of these guys are strangers to performing. Kwasi started performing at three years old singing at family parties and gatherings. Twenty years after receiving his first set of drums (at three years old). He studied with Master Drummers Baba Ibi Crowder, the late Abdu Johnson, and Fort Apache's renown drummer Steve Berrios.
"The components of our music naturally stimulate your emotions and other senses," says Kwasi. "It can excite, relax and even make you create vivid images in your mind."This gift to stimulate has earned these players critical acclaim and recognition from performances at The Kimmel Center, World Cafe Live, The Mellon Jazz Festival, The Painted Bride Art Center, The Bethlehem (PA) Music Festival, and The SoHo Music Festival in Connecticut (Headlining under the name of Mozambique). Their music and interviews have been heard worldwide.