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Afromotive at the Visulite Theatre April 16th 2009
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When on the road things rarely run on schedule. Even when they do, getting a quick bite to eat can be a hassle when squeezed between sound check, a quick smoke and an interview with a local writer/photographer. The guys from Afromotive ate at the end.
It was apparent during our chat at the Visulite Theatre thursday night that they are very serious about their music. It took little prying for the tone to change slightly and an edge to set in - truth is that they have committed their life to their music, so hell yes it's serious business! Artistic, expressive, and unique - it's a sound they want to share.
Tonight is the first stop on a mini-tour that includes four shows in three days across a couple of states. Traveling on this trip are 6 of the band members, which can fluctuate to betwen 8 and 10 members, depending on where they're playing and member availability.
Led by founder, manager at the moment, and bass player Ryan Reardon, the band brings together multiple genre elements. Diversity of background, sound technical musicianship and a common love for music result in an upbeat blended sound of funk and jazz, laced with a West African heartbeat. Ryan Knowles has been with the band since the beginning on Keyboards and saxophone prefers to use colors in describing the band - yellow & red. Yellow representing the happy upbeat tones. Red demonstrating tenacity and brightness of the sound - let the light shine on! Adama Dembele brings the West African heartbeat to the band as the percussionist with a special talent on the Djembe. Completing the band on this trip are Tyler Cates on lead guitar, Sean Smith on the masterful trumpet, and new band member Brian Jones on the drums (welcome Brian!)..
Afromotive's Ryan Reardon on bass
As is the case with most bands the sound evolves over time making adjustments, tuning, transitioning and growing over time. This particular vision is no different. Upon returning from living in Ghana for a spell, Ryan Reardon returned to the USA settling in mountains of Asheville, NC. Shortly after moving the Asheville, Ryan met up with Ryan Knowles. With a niche of musicians who shared a love of funk, jazz and African rhythms the Ryans added members to the band and the evolution was underway. For some time the band had a singer named Kevin who was a strong influence on the sound of the band. Kevin is currently living in Africa but the band keeps a light on in case he returns one day. With Adama's arrival to the band the evolution continues and the sound stays true to their original vision of that upbeat sound of funk and jazz with an african heartbeat!.
Afromotive's debut CD, "Scare Tactics", was also a part of the bands evolution. Starting out as a group of guys trying to capture a sound for the love of making music, the guys spent the first two years traveling around performing here and there. It wasn't long before they had raised their visibility and people became interested in who they were. Needing a way to share their music with a broader audience they went onto the studio and produced "Scare Tactics". Keyboardist Knowles feels it's a good CD reflecting the sound of the band and is proud of the fact they were able to produce a quality product. That release validated their sound and the direction the band is headed in with their music. The guys have several other songs on paper and others in the creative process as they prepare to step back into the studio this summer to produce their sophmore CD. It would be really good if we were to get a new Afromotive CD this year!
Afromotive continue to work their trade entertaining their audiences and working to gain visibility to people who love and believe in their music. Look for Afromotive this summer at the regional music festivals. Come out, have fun, dance, and feel the music in its yellow and reds....
Photos of Afromotives performance can be seen here.
Opening for Afromotive tonight was Laure Reed & Deep Pocket. Laura, supported by saxaphonist Debrissa McKinney, put on quite a vocal show. Another highlight of this groups performance was Craig Sorrells trumpet playing! Set that trumpet totally on fire!
Photos of Laura Reed & Deep Pocket can be seen here.
Another great night of music at The Visulite Theatre! Well done guys...
Cheers,
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