ANCIENT GROOVES
GEORGE TETSUO ABE
Instruments of Japan
including shakuhachi, yokobue,
taiko, biwa, voice
George Testuo Abe (b. 1944), renowned taiko and flute performer, was born at Manzanar concentration camp in California. He was one year old when his family relocated to Los Angeles, California. His mother was kibei, born in the city of Orange, California, moved to Japan when she was about nine years old, and returned to Los Angeles at about 26 years of age. His father was an Issei.George grew up among artists and musicians, often attending biwa (lute) recitals with hs mother.
He studied multiple instruments in his school band at Manual Arts High School including:
the clarinet, saxophone and oboe and later graduated with a BA in Psychology at CSULA.
As an adult, George remained fascinated with music of his culture and learned to play the shakuhachi, yokobue, taiko, biwa and fue. Some of his music can be heard in KARATE KID II
and in numerous productions at East West Players (OMEN; ...AND THE SOUL SHALL DANCE; PACIFIC OVERTURES).
George is also a founding member of Kinnara Taiko, a taiko group based at Senshin Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, and remains associated with them today. Kinnara Taiko was one of the first taiko groups to form in North America, second only to Sensei Seichi Tanaka’s San Francisco Taiko Dojo.He has been a workshop leader every year at Tasiko Conference, going back to the very first one. As a member of Japanese Festival Sounds (on the rosters of Music Center on Tour and From the Center) he has presented assemblies in schools throughout Southern California for over 15 years. He also is an Artist in Residence at Metropolitan State Hospital, providing drumming workshops for clients and staff for the last 10 years.
George believes in the influential power of art and the energizing effects of taiko.
He uses his art to bring cultural, spiritual and community awareness to others.
Instruments of Japan
including shakuhachi, yokobue,
taiko, biwa, voice
George Testuo Abe (b. 1944), renowned taiko and flute performer, was born at Manzanar concentration camp in California. He was one year old when his family relocated to Los Angeles, California. His mother was kibei, born in the city of Orange, California, moved to Japan when she was about nine years old, and returned to Los Angeles at about 26 years of age. His father was an Issei.George grew up among artists and musicians, often attending biwa (lute) recitals with hs mother.
He studied multiple instruments in his school band at Manual Arts High School including:
the clarinet, saxophone and oboe and later graduated with a BA in Psychology at CSULA.
As an adult, George remained fascinated with music of his culture and learned to play the shakuhachi, yokobue, taiko, biwa and fue. Some of his music can be heard in KARATE KID II
and in numerous productions at East West Players (OMEN; ...AND THE SOUL SHALL DANCE; PACIFIC OVERTURES).
George is also a founding member of Kinnara Taiko, a taiko group based at Senshin Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, and remains associated with them today. Kinnara Taiko was one of the first taiko groups to form in North America, second only to Sensei Seichi Tanaka’s San Francisco Taiko Dojo.He has been a workshop leader every year at Tasiko Conference, going back to the very first one. As a member of Japanese Festival Sounds (on the rosters of Music Center on Tour and From the Center) he has presented assemblies in schools throughout Southern California for over 15 years. He also is an Artist in Residence at Metropolitan State Hospital, providing drumming workshops for clients and staff for the last 10 years.
George believes in the influential power of art and the energizing effects of taiko.
He uses his art to bring cultural, spiritual and community awareness to others.
CHRISTOPHER GARCIA
Instruments of North and South India,
hand, stick and stone percussion of indigenous Mexico, voice
Christopher is a a critically acclaimed "native" of (East) Los Angeles, "Grew up in Belvedere, between Boyle Heights and Maravilla in the county of (EAST) Los Angeles i.e., not the city." (California, USA)
(Check out his site for 20 years of performance reviews from 18 different countries)
His background includes performances in a wide variety of musical settings including; Jazz, Rock, World Music, symphonic music, chamber music, traditional Mexican music, indigenous music of Mexico, ZAPPA music, percussion ensemble, soundtracks, and cartoon music.(!)
He attributes his musical growth to his studies with
PANDIT TARNATH RAO,
LEONICE SHINEMANN,
JOHN BERGAMO,
and SWAPAN CHAUDHURI
where he studied tabla, while attending California Institute of the Arts on a full scholarship, where he was also a member of the(only) award winning Cal Arts Percussion Ensemble in 1979 under the direction of Guruji John Bergamo.
He continues to learn and hone his craft while rehearsing, recording and performing with some of the most creative musicians on the planet. Christopher continues to utilize the tabla alongside other percussion instruments of India including kanjira, and ghatam, employing hand drum rhythm techniques, and "traditional" jazz rhythms on cymbals,
in a variety of jazz, rock and world music settings.
He attributes his "style"(?) to Listening to EVERYTHING, and literally logging thousands of hours, practicing,
rehearsing, performing and touring constantly with musicians interested in stretching and re-inventing themselves throughout the Americas, along with performances in: Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia including performances in:Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Korea, Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and Wales.
His passion for music is only surpassed for his passion to share what he has learned over the years to audiences.
"Follow your passions, immerse yourself in them, devote yourself to them, and find
that balance between your familia and learning, living, and sharing what you know.
Everything else is just life."
Instruments of North and South India,
hand, stick and stone percussion of indigenous Mexico, voice
Christopher is a a critically acclaimed "native" of (East) Los Angeles, "Grew up in Belvedere, between Boyle Heights and Maravilla in the county of (EAST) Los Angeles i.e., not the city." (California, USA)
(Check out his site for 20 years of performance reviews from 18 different countries)
His background includes performances in a wide variety of musical settings including; Jazz, Rock, World Music, symphonic music, chamber music, traditional Mexican music, indigenous music of Mexico, ZAPPA music, percussion ensemble, soundtracks, and cartoon music.(!)
He attributes his musical growth to his studies with
PANDIT TARNATH RAO,
LEONICE SHINEMANN,
JOHN BERGAMO,
and SWAPAN CHAUDHURI
where he studied tabla, while attending California Institute of the Arts on a full scholarship, where he was also a member of the(only) award winning Cal Arts Percussion Ensemble in 1979 under the direction of Guruji John Bergamo.
He continues to learn and hone his craft while rehearsing, recording and performing with some of the most creative musicians on the planet. Christopher continues to utilize the tabla alongside other percussion instruments of India including kanjira, and ghatam, employing hand drum rhythm techniques, and "traditional" jazz rhythms on cymbals,
in a variety of jazz, rock and world music settings.
He attributes his "style"(?) to Listening to EVERYTHING, and literally logging thousands of hours, practicing,
rehearsing, performing and touring constantly with musicians interested in stretching and re-inventing themselves throughout the Americas, along with performances in: Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia including performances in:Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Korea, Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and Wales.
His passion for music is only surpassed for his passion to share what he has learned over the years to audiences.
"Follow your passions, immerse yourself in them, devote yourself to them, and find
that balance between your familia and learning, living, and sharing what you know.
Everything else is just life."
JIE MA
string instruments of China, percussion, voice
including
pipi, ruan
From a long line of traditional Chinese musicians, Jie Ma began studying music and playing the pipa at age 5. She became a professional musician at age 14. Jie received her Bachelor of Music degree from one of China's top music conservatories. Jie studied in China under celebrated pipa and ruan masters. She was also an adjunct professor in the music department at Liao Ning Normal University, and she has taught Pipa to a wide range of students in China and the United States.
After coming to the United States, in 2004, Jie began exploring the possibilities of blending traditional pipa technique with Western music and sounds from all over the world and culture. Jie enjoys playing traditional Chinese arrangements, creating her own works, and fusing Chinese and other styles to create a unique sound that is all hers. She is a consummate performer and improviser. In her continuing effort to push the boundaries of the pipa in many different contexts, Jie has played with a wide variety of musicians from a number of different genres, including jazz, country, blues, and rock. Jie's impressive technique, exotic sound, musical curiosity, and tremendous stage presence are not to be missed.
In pursuit of her passion for music and the pipa, Jie has performed in China, Japan, and at a wide variety of venues throughout the United States (particularly in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York), as a soloist, in ensembles, and as a featured performer. In 2009, Jie was referred to in the U.K. newspaper, the Guardian, as one of the "notable" pipa players in the West.
string instruments of China, percussion, voice
including
pipi, ruan
From a long line of traditional Chinese musicians, Jie Ma began studying music and playing the pipa at age 5. She became a professional musician at age 14. Jie received her Bachelor of Music degree from one of China's top music conservatories. Jie studied in China under celebrated pipa and ruan masters. She was also an adjunct professor in the music department at Liao Ning Normal University, and she has taught Pipa to a wide range of students in China and the United States.
After coming to the United States, in 2004, Jie began exploring the possibilities of blending traditional pipa technique with Western music and sounds from all over the world and culture. Jie enjoys playing traditional Chinese arrangements, creating her own works, and fusing Chinese and other styles to create a unique sound that is all hers. She is a consummate performer and improviser. In her continuing effort to push the boundaries of the pipa in many different contexts, Jie has played with a wide variety of musicians from a number of different genres, including jazz, country, blues, and rock. Jie's impressive technique, exotic sound, musical curiosity, and tremendous stage presence are not to be missed.
In pursuit of her passion for music and the pipa, Jie has performed in China, Japan, and at a wide variety of venues throughout the United States (particularly in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York), as a soloist, in ensembles, and as a featured performer. In 2009, Jie was referred to in the U.K. newspaper, the Guardian, as one of the "notable" pipa players in the West.
MALIK SOW
Instruments of Africa
including Djembe, dun duns, balafon,
talking drums of Africa, voice
Master Drummer, Composer, and Choreographer Malik Sow, born in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, hails from the Fulani ethnic group of West Africa. Malik's father was a French Marine of a noble family who swept the beautiful singer and dancer of a griot family off her feet marrying her soon after. Malik followed in his mother's footsteps and became a performer of traditional music from the ancient Malian empire - which today includes the West African countries of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Gambia, Cote D'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon.
As a young boy in Senegal, Malik studied with Master Drummer Doussou Koulibaly, and Master Dancer Karounga Sakho. In 1970 Malik began a stint as lead drummer with the Ballet d'Afrique Noire, three years later Malik was honored to become the Musical Director for the National Ballet of Senegal, a position he kept for almost ten years, and which led to his becoming the Director and Choreographer for the prestigious Les Ballets Africains, who have performed continuously around the world and are still considered to be one of Africa's most important and influential cultural performing groups. During this time the enterprising Malik also found time to gain his Masters Degree in Chemistry at the University of Paris in France, and at the University of Ckeickh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal. It was also during this time that Malik studied West African history becoming a fount of knowledge of the folklore and customs of the Fulani, Wolof, Mandinka, and Djola people of West Africa.
Malik's musical career has spanned the globe, from performances in his home country of Senegal in West Africa, across all of Europe, Japan, and all over the United States. He first came to the U.S. in 1984 where he drummed at the Epcot Center at Walt Disney World in Florida. In 1986 he began performing for the United Nations, playing for such dignitaries as the Presidents of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Nigeria, and Egypt. Since the late 1980's Malik has taught all over the U.S. in places such as New Jersey; New York; Las Vegas, and Los Angeles; and has held workshops and classes in San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Atlanta, Arizona, Hawaii, Los Angeles, and Japan. He was also featured in the African delegation of the Athlete's Parade at the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia. Thanks to his world travels and extensive education Malik is fluent in nine languages: English, Spanish, French, Wolof, Mandinka, Fulani, Italian, German, and Dutch.
Malik's travels soon brought him to Los Angeles, California, and in 1992 he founded, and continues as Music Director for, the Mussukeba Sane West African Dance Ensemble. He teaches drumming, dance, and singing to students all over the United States and has choreographed numerous commissions for professional dance troupes such as Dundu Dole in New York, Kuumba Dancers and Drummers in Tampa, Florida, Kankuran in Washington, D. C., as well as Mussukeba Sane in Los Angeles.
Malik has also appeared and performed in several feature films, including POETIC JUSTICE, starring Janet Jackson, DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN with Eddie Murphy, and was also music consultant and co-composer of the soundtrack for Steven Spielberg's AMISTAD as well as featured as an actor in the film. Malik has also been featured on many television shows, such as THE ARSENIO HALL SHOW, FAMILY ACCENTS, and TRUE TALENT. Malik has also appeared on stage with such world-famous acts as The Rolling Stones, Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers, Babatunde Olatunji, Mor Thiam, Karounga Sakho, and The American Ballet Theater's Katherine Dunham.
In 1999 the multi-talented Mr. Sow completed work on the composition Kuwa for the National Kodo Drummers of Japan, and won the Outstanding Authentic African Drummers Award at the International Children's Festival sponsored by the National Institute of the Art of Tokyo. Most recently, in 2001, he won the prestigious N.A.A.C.P award for Best Music for the play For the Love of Freedom, Part I. Along with selected members of his troupe, Mussukeba Sane West African Dance Ensemble, Malik also leads annual cultural study tours to Senegal.
Currently Malik makes his home in the Los Angeles area and teaches African culture, music, song, and dance to students in his workshops and to school children all over Southern California through his Music Center Program offered through the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County.
As Malik says:
I was born a musician and have played various percussion instruments since I can remember - and probably before that. I have seen people laugh, cry, dance, and receive spiritual healing from music. Music is a gift I love to give.
Instruments of Africa
including Djembe, dun duns, balafon,
talking drums of Africa, voice
Master Drummer, Composer, and Choreographer Malik Sow, born in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, hails from the Fulani ethnic group of West Africa. Malik's father was a French Marine of a noble family who swept the beautiful singer and dancer of a griot family off her feet marrying her soon after. Malik followed in his mother's footsteps and became a performer of traditional music from the ancient Malian empire - which today includes the West African countries of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Gambia, Cote D'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon.
As a young boy in Senegal, Malik studied with Master Drummer Doussou Koulibaly, and Master Dancer Karounga Sakho. In 1970 Malik began a stint as lead drummer with the Ballet d'Afrique Noire, three years later Malik was honored to become the Musical Director for the National Ballet of Senegal, a position he kept for almost ten years, and which led to his becoming the Director and Choreographer for the prestigious Les Ballets Africains, who have performed continuously around the world and are still considered to be one of Africa's most important and influential cultural performing groups. During this time the enterprising Malik also found time to gain his Masters Degree in Chemistry at the University of Paris in France, and at the University of Ckeickh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal. It was also during this time that Malik studied West African history becoming a fount of knowledge of the folklore and customs of the Fulani, Wolof, Mandinka, and Djola people of West Africa.
Malik's musical career has spanned the globe, from performances in his home country of Senegal in West Africa, across all of Europe, Japan, and all over the United States. He first came to the U.S. in 1984 where he drummed at the Epcot Center at Walt Disney World in Florida. In 1986 he began performing for the United Nations, playing for such dignitaries as the Presidents of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Nigeria, and Egypt. Since the late 1980's Malik has taught all over the U.S. in places such as New Jersey; New York; Las Vegas, and Los Angeles; and has held workshops and classes in San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Atlanta, Arizona, Hawaii, Los Angeles, and Japan. He was also featured in the African delegation of the Athlete's Parade at the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia. Thanks to his world travels and extensive education Malik is fluent in nine languages: English, Spanish, French, Wolof, Mandinka, Fulani, Italian, German, and Dutch.
Malik's travels soon brought him to Los Angeles, California, and in 1992 he founded, and continues as Music Director for, the Mussukeba Sane West African Dance Ensemble. He teaches drumming, dance, and singing to students all over the United States and has choreographed numerous commissions for professional dance troupes such as Dundu Dole in New York, Kuumba Dancers and Drummers in Tampa, Florida, Kankuran in Washington, D. C., as well as Mussukeba Sane in Los Angeles.
Malik has also appeared and performed in several feature films, including POETIC JUSTICE, starring Janet Jackson, DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN with Eddie Murphy, and was also music consultant and co-composer of the soundtrack for Steven Spielberg's AMISTAD as well as featured as an actor in the film. Malik has also been featured on many television shows, such as THE ARSENIO HALL SHOW, FAMILY ACCENTS, and TRUE TALENT. Malik has also appeared on stage with such world-famous acts as The Rolling Stones, Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers, Babatunde Olatunji, Mor Thiam, Karounga Sakho, and The American Ballet Theater's Katherine Dunham.
In 1999 the multi-talented Mr. Sow completed work on the composition Kuwa for the National Kodo Drummers of Japan, and won the Outstanding Authentic African Drummers Award at the International Children's Festival sponsored by the National Institute of the Art of Tokyo. Most recently, in 2001, he won the prestigious N.A.A.C.P award for Best Music for the play For the Love of Freedom, Part I. Along with selected members of his troupe, Mussukeba Sane West African Dance Ensemble, Malik also leads annual cultural study tours to Senegal.
Currently Malik makes his home in the Los Angeles area and teaches African culture, music, song, and dance to students in his workshops and to school children all over Southern California through his Music Center Program offered through the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County.
As Malik says:
I was born a musician and have played various percussion instruments since I can remember - and probably before that. I have seen people laugh, cry, dance, and receive spiritual healing from music. Music is a gift I love to give.