CUBIST: Prominence

A solar "Prominence" is an immense cloud of burning gas and energy extending outward from the Sun's surface; "Fusion" is the atomic reaction process that powers the Sun and stars. "Fusion" also describes a 70s music genre that mixed funk and R&B, electronic effects of rock, and complex time signatures with a jazz approach to lengthy group improvisations. Nowadays many artists tend to avoid the "fusion" label. However, for this project I embraced the term with renewed conviction: world-rock-fusion.

For over 25 years I have been learning and performing traditional African songs of the Ewe people of southern Ghana. Songs from the ancient polyrhythmic dance "Atsiagbekor" convey warrior themes, while those from the social party dance "Gahu" are lighter and funkier. Nowadays the intricate warrior compositions are also performed in social settings, with battle themes taking on more everyday meanings: protect your family, be good to your community, help neighbors in times of need.

One day I ventured outside of the cultural "box" by writing new lyrics to the Ewe songs: to explore the world of singer/songwriter when combining melodic themes, harmonies, and languages within unique contemporary arrangements. "Prominence" is my vision of soundscapes that also retains the underlying message of the traditional lyrics. (Song translations appear in parenthesis.)

The 9 songs on this disc explore ubiquitous themes: the angst and power of love ("My Love" / "Sue"), protest anthems decrying war ("Why?" / "Some Days"), persistent racism and gang violence ("Free Freedom" / "Middle Ground"), celebrations of culture and family ("Prominence" / "Holiday"), and a personal tribute to my hero ("Dear Dad"). Music has the power to shake the world to peace...