MICHAEL KIWANUKA in CONCERT

With just two E.P.s to his name, it’s pleasant to see that Kiwanuka 

has already captured enough hearts to sell out the charming BUSH HALL

 - CLASHMUSIC (Words by Sam Walker-Smart)

Michael Kiwanuka is a young acoustic troubadour from London.

"Lead-track ‘I’m Getting Ready’ possesses the rare sonic tranquillity of mournful acoustic guitar and strings that do sound genuinely like a Nike Drake moment.  Kiwanuka is a picture of restraint, as he prepares to surrender and accept the control of a higher power; Strings and voices in the background stir up portentous atmosphere, and a spine-tinglingly melodic bridge walks the song back into its gentle stride, then somehow reaches calm, acceptance and conclusion in an astoundingly beautiful, and emotional 2 minutes and 25 seconds. ‘I Need You By My Side’ utilises similar alluring ingredients, though makes more of the genuine soul cadences in Kiwanuka’s vocal style which have traces of Bill Withers about them."


quote taken from AMERICANAUK

Look for more from this amazing new talent.

VIDEO/ PHOTOGRAPHY © 2011 RasCONRAD PHOTOGRAPHY

CHICO and RITA

Now this isn't something I would normally be referring  to on my blog, 


but if you as I, are easily swayed by a truly haunting love story, and doubly so by animation on almost every level, then make sure you don't miss this film. And if not for any of that, then how can you NOT be absolutely floored by the music of Havana, reminiscent of the style of the Buena Vista Social Club and equally as touching.

Cuba, 1948. Chico is a young piano player with big dreams. Rita is a beautiful singer with an extraordinary voice. Music and romantic desire unites them, but their journey - in the tradition of the Latin ballad, the bolero - brings heartache and torment. From Havana to New York, Paris, Hollywood and Las Vegas, two passionate individuals battle impossible odds to unite in music and love.


The story artfully weaves within it's education of the period the tale of one of the pioneers in Latin Jazz of that time, none other than Luciano "Chano" Pozo Gonzales. The hot-tempered Chano Pozo was the first in a long line of Latin percussionists to have performed with the legendary giant Dizzy Gillespie, the godfather of Latin jazz in the U.S. 


He, Pozo was killed in a fight at a bar in Harlem, New York, at the age of 33, allegedly over an argument regarding the quality of a bag of marijuana he had bought from his assassin. He and many other great performers of the era are artfully woven into the soundtrack of the tale.

See a clip of the film below and remember to check out the website of this delightful and charming love story set amidst the opposing squalor and creativity of Havana and it's music  in the 1940's 

CHICO AND RITA  website

Dig DA MUSIC, LOVE DA FILM.

HACKNEY for the FINISH.

Though I had posted a few images on facebook I think I like others are not giving the credit due to the team of individuals that are working so hard to produce this popular alternative to the Notting Hill Carnival every year. The HACKNEY ONE CARNIVAL is an event that has been growing from strength to strength over the years and 2011 was no exception. For 'true masqueraders' it's a chance a week after Notting Hill and while still in the after-glow of the UK carnival season to have ONE LAST CHANCE to don a costume and PLAY A MAS.

Here's to HACKNEY FOR THE FINISH.

 

ah wotless!

all costumes designed and produced by Ray Mahabir

for SUNSHINE INTERNATIONAL ARTS

 and used for the HACKNEY ONE CARNIVAL 2011

HOW WAS YOUR NOTTING HILL 2011 ??!!!

The Notting Hill Carnival is over , 

Thames Festival is now a thing of the past. 

and as the costumes are packed away 

for next's year's re-invention..., 

the question is posed....

HOW WAS YOUR NOTTING HILL 2011?

Yeah, I wore three different costumes throughout the

festivals this year. So you KNOW 

I had a blast.

Here are a few images from the band I played with.

MELTING POT.

if you are unable to access this page via the link above, please copy and paste the URL below into your browser.

http://gallery.me.com/rasicon#102760

designed and produced 

by Ray Mahabir

for

SUNSHINE INTERNATIONAL ARTS 

IS IT REALLY OVER???

Nottinghill Carnival 2011 photo by Ryan Black

That's the question that flooded my mind as I woke up this morning or rather this afternoon after sleepin' in for most of the day. Carnival IS really over. I spent most of the night last night at dinner with two friends talking about that sence of euphoria that comes over you in the middle of the celebration of Carnival, and Nottinghill is no exception; more so J'Ouvert.. It is truly leveling and humbling. 


No matter who we are, whether a top end model just spotted on the street; or gracing the pages of  a multimillion dollar fashion campaign, Carnival has the power and ability to make us all one. For that is what it does. The stevedore and the bank manager hold hands as they gyrate to pulsing rythms that lead the way to ensuring that at the heart of it all we KNOW what is right. 


There are no isms or politricks, no dem and we,  just us and if we can exist together in such joy and abandonment for ONE DAY...., why not longer. Why not for life.

le boys as i spoted them last carnival

and gracing the cover of OSWALD BOATENG's WEBSITE THIS YEAR

rasconrad truly enjoyed 

all that was the carnival this year 

and is looking forward eagerly 

to the Thames festival 

that follows in two weeks. 

See you there