Local percussionist to release new CD

Proceeds to benefit The Advocacy Alliance Milford — Local, World Beat/ Global and Jazz percussionist Obi Kaye will celebrate the release his fourth CD, on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., in the Cypress room of the Cliff Park Inn, in Milford. The evening will come to life with the sounds of World, Improvisational music and Jazz as he performs live with special guests; Mike Jackson on the Guitar and Robert Kopec on the Bass. Tickets for the event are $10 per person and can be purchased by calling the Cliff Park in at 570-296-6491. The event will be open bar with CD giveaways. A portion of the proceeds from the release party will be donated to The Advocacy Alliance, advocacy for people with disabilities. Releasing his latest CD, “When the Dreamer Awakens…,” Obi Kaye, to most, is new and unfamiliar yet, this local musician has been performing and recording for nearly 3 decades for an international audience. Originally from the Camden, N.J. and Philadelphia region, Obi has performed with various Jazz and World Beat groups, international dance troupes and recorded 3 previous solo CDs, all of which have received international airplay and recognition. Normally the drum, especially percussion, is reserved to back up or to support the other musicians in a group. Often, it is relegated to the rear of the music. In other cases, we may be familiar with the large groups of novice hand drummers who perform at drum circles creating a raucous and rowdy high energy affair. Obi’s experience has taught him that the role and history of the drum is not so off-handedly defined. A student of Nigerian Batá drumming, as well as Middle Eastern dance drumming, Brazilian Berimbau and more, he has found, and teaches, that the drum can convey history, sensibility and emotion. His latest CD promises to be a collection of tracks that are both sensitive and impassioned, an expression of the human experience. From the haunting sounds of “Heaven’s Cry” to the feelings of wonder in “Itaji (Awakening)”, Obi uses his rhythms to stretch the imagination and explore our innermost passions. With the above tracks being meditative and exploratory, this latest endeavor explodes with raw energy on tracks like “Iwaja (I will fight)”, an expression of the need to stand up to our enemies and “Dance, Istanbul” which, expresses the mystery and beauty of one the world’s most intriguing and historically fascinating cities. A few traditional rhythms are thrown into the mix here creating a tasteful blend of rhythmic art and danceable musings. Like many of Obi’s previous recordings, this CD combines both traditional sounds with the non-traditional, as well as merging the sounds and playing styles from various cultures. Mediterranean Frame drums blend with Afro Cuban Batá, while Udu provides a unique backdrop for Conga and Bongó, creating new textures and fluidity. Guitarist, Mike Jackson’s credits include the recording of “Certified Jazz Guitar” (Volumes 1 and 2). Volume One was recorded on three dates in March and April 2000 at “Rose’s Lounge” a private club in Middletown, NY. The performance was recorded live to a two-track digital minidisk recorder. There was no punch-ins or punch-outs, no multi-tracking or tweaking. “What you hear on the CD is what we played,” Mike says. While bassist, Robert Kopec, whose versatility is a bit more familiar to most, demonstrates that the Bass is more than just a “side” or rhythm instrument. It has a voice, and he has coaxed that voice to allow it to be heard. For reservations or more information contact the Cliff Park Inn at: 570-296-6491.