Kinetic performs songs immersed in the tropical sounds and rhythms of West Africa, blended jazz and classical idioms.
NEW RELEASE! SONGS OF LAKE VOLTA (2018) featuring members of the Kassia Ensemble
Nine traditional Ghanaian songs are immersed into original music influenced by jazz and classical genres.
Available HERE on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes & Apple Music.
http://www.ansonicarecords.com/catalog/ar0009/
PRAISE FOR SONGS OF LAKE VOLTA
Sonograma.org: "The new record ... is the best we've heard in a long time of what we call world music.” “The writing of the voice is rich and varied, expanded by instruments, such as the piano, the guitar, the bass and percussion of the Kinetic group and the stringed instruments of the Kassia Ensemble, which give it a different color to each song." "Both the composer and the performers make a fascinating, in depth, approach to a creative universe. A record that is a real treasure.” (translation by Google Translate)
Textura.org: “Songs of Lake Volta draws magnificent connecting threads from classical music and contemporary jazz to the music of West Africa." "...Sheehan ... blends classical strings and jazz ensemble playing with nine traditional Ghanaian songs ... as if it's the most natural thing in the world.” “The album's a treat for the ears…”
World Music Central.org: “Superbly crafted…” “Songs of Lake Volta is a fascinating project …” “The result is a remarkable mix of Ghanaian melodies, contemporary jazz and classical music”.
UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES
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Exciting performances coming up! Check back soon for more information.
Photography: Sarah Bader
Photography: Sarah Bader
About Kinetic
Kinetic performs songs celebrating multiculturalism, wisdom, and unity. Their performances seamlessly blend influences from West African, jazz, and classical idioms, transcending boundaries of genre and style. The group’s diverse sound reflects the versatile musicians in the group: Anqwenique (vocals); Anthony Ambroso (guitar); Joseph Sheehan (piano, composition); Jason Rafalak (bass); PJ Roduta (percussion); and Ryan Socrates (drums).
In 2018, Kinetic released their critically acclaimed second album Songs of Lake Volta on Ansonica Records. It presents nine Ghanaian folk songs with original music influenced by jazz and classical genres. Textura.org chose the album as No. 5 in its Top 20 Classical releases of 2018, saying “[It] blends classical strings and jazz ensemble playing with nine traditional Ghanaian songs … as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.” Sonograma.org wrote “[Songs of Lake Volta] is the best we've heard in a long time of what we call world music.” The group’s debut album, World of Wonder, was positively reviewed by AllAboutJazz.com, and was one of the 2014 WYEP The Soul Show Albums of the Year.
The ensemble has performed at concert halls, art galleries, universities, jazz clubs, and outdoor music festivals, at venues in Toronto, New York City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. These include the 2018 & 2016 Chamber Music Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Presents Series, the 2016 & 2014 Three Rivers Arts Festival, and the 2012 African Arts in the Park Festival. Special arrangements of music from Songs of Lake Volta were also performed at the 2017 Clazz International Music Festival Jazz Session in Tuscany, Italy. The ensemble has been featured on Americana Radio, WQED Classical FM, WESA (NPR radio), and the Pittsburgh City Paper.
From Songs of Lake Volta (2018)
Damba Suite
Akoo Kofi
Kekele
Kinetic Live @ The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls
August 22, 2018
Live Performance: To You (2016)
Selected Tracks from World of Wonder (2014)
World of Wonder
Waiting for Giving
Show Me
Proverb
My Everything
Video: live performance of music from World of Wonder (2014)
Show Me
With Texture Contemporary Ballet (choreography by Kelsey Bartman). Recorded Oct. 24, 2014 @ the Groove Aesthetic 'Winds of the Sahel' show. Dance Alloy Studios, East Liberty, Pittsburgh, PA.
Live Performances of music from World of Wonder (2014)
Bless This Day
Will Not Forget
Dancing Chicken