Should More People Listen to World Music?
November 29, 2005 02:45 PM Filed in: Kwanza Jones
Unlike many popular musical genres, the diverse
character of world music is emerging with support by
record labels, producers and consumers alike. There
is overwhelming appeal for heavily percussive,
eminently danceable music of international roots,
ranging from West African highlife, Jamaican reggae,
Dominican meringue, and the many forms of
Cuban-inspired salsa. A quick look at what is hot on
the world music charts confirms that Tim Carmon and
Kwanza Jones hit a home run with Naked 2 – universal
fire.
Unlike many popular musical genres, the diverse
character of world music is emerging with support by
record labels, producers and consumers alike. There
is overwhelming appeal for heavily percussive,
eminently danceable music of international roots,
ranging from West African highlife, Jamaican reggae,
Dominican meringue, and the many forms of
Cuban-inspired salsa. A quick look at what is hot on
the world music charts confirms that Tim Carmon and
Kwanza Jones hit a home run with Naked 2 – universal
fire.
What is fundamental within the entire full-length album, inspired by Kwanza’s successful climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, is the artistically challenging music and startlingly fresh vocals. The fusion side of this album includes a cover of the classic rock standard “Light My Fire” by Jim Morrison and The Doors. Here Kwanza demonstrates how musical elements such as melody, rhythm and texture create a variety of emotions. As in the artist’s interpretation of this song, music can inspire religious devotion, help prepare you to face a new challenge and stimulate passion. There are also some original tracks by Kwanza that stand up quite well on their own. We strongly recommend the following “Something Beautiful” and “Chameleon Characteristics.”
On the global groove side, there additional original songs by Kwanza. For example, “What If I Find Happiness.” This song offers a mixture of reality and hope, fronted by an “ah-ha” percussion performance by Timbali Cornwell (percussionist for Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake). Another show stopper is the artist’s cover of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” written by Ashford and Simpson. These tracks are bursting with energy and dramatic vocals.
Taken as a whole, the songs on this album are delightfully different, at time provocative and always adventurous. They probably would have had a hard time finding a home elsewhere. That open-minded atmosphere is fostered by Kwanza Jones’ bold vision and personal taste.
What is fundamental within the entire full-length album, inspired by Kwanza’s successful climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, is the artistically challenging music and startlingly fresh vocals. The fusion side of this album includes a cover of the classic rock standard “Light My Fire” by Jim Morrison and The Doors. Here Kwanza demonstrates how musical elements such as melody, rhythm and texture create a variety of emotions. As in the artist’s interpretation of this song, music can inspire religious devotion, help prepare you to face a new challenge and stimulate passion. There are also some original tracks by Kwanza that stand up quite well on their own. We strongly recommend the following “Something Beautiful” and “Chameleon Characteristics.”
On the global groove side, there additional original songs by Kwanza. For example, “What If I Find Happiness.” This song offers a mixture of reality and hope, fronted by an “ah-ha” percussion performance by Timbali Cornwell (percussionist for Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake). Another show stopper is the artist’s cover of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” written by Ashford and Simpson. These tracks are bursting with energy and dramatic vocals.
Taken as a whole, the songs on this album are delightfully different, at time provocative and always adventurous. They probably would have had a hard time finding a home elsewhere. That open-minded atmosphere is fostered by Kwanza Jones’ bold vision and personal taste.