Mickey Hart Band with the African Showboyz
Mickey Hart Band with the African Showboyz
Mickey Hart is best known for his nearly three decades as an integral part of an extraordinary expedition into the soul and spirit of music, disguised as rock and roll band, the Grateful Dead. As half of the percussion tandem known as the Rhythm Devils, Mickey and Bill Kreutzmann transcended the conventions of rock drumming. Their extended polyrhythmic excursions were highlights of Grateful Dead shows, introducing the band’s audience to an ever-growing arsenal of percussion instruments from around the world. Exposure to these exotic sounds fueled Mickey’s desire to learn about the various cultures that produced them.
“I have always thought of life, the world at large, as music,” says Hart. “This work is a representation of that notion. I have combined sonic images of the formation of our universe with sounds drawn from musical instruments. It’s all about the vibrations that make up the infinite universe…” For his new work, Hart joined with long time Grateful Dead lyricist, Robert Hunter. “Hunter is a bold, visionary writer who knows where I am going with this music,” says Hart.” He is indispensable to the weave of this story. The way he writes, the imagery and mythology, are perfect for this project. Nobody writes like Robert Hunter.”
The Mickey Hart Band includes bassist, Dave Schools; percussionist Greg Schutte; vocalist, keyboard and guitar player, Joe Bagale; ableton live, sample, keyboard, sound effect and loop maestro, Jonah Sharp; vocalist Crystal Monee Hall; guitarist Gawain Matthews; and the man whom Mickey Hart calls, “the Mozart of the talking drum,” Sikiru Adepoju.
“Mickey Hart is nothing short of a musical genius and it shines through in everything he does. Whether he’s working with George Lucas, NASA, or throwing together a unique group of musicians for a band, it’s apparent that Mickey isn’t satisfied doing the same old thing…”, (Ben Yonas, jambands.com). “We have new players, new material and believe me… it’s going to be great”, (Dave Schools).
Hart's tireless study of the world's music led to many great teachers and collaborators including his partners in Planet Drum, Zakir Hussain, Babatunde Olatunji, and Airto Moreira. Joining Mickey on his 2013 Worlds Within tour schedule are the African Showboyz, four brothers from the northern part of Ghana who fuse a unique blend of West- African rhythm, dance and raw energgy. Originally discoverd by Granny-winning virtuoso, Babatunde Olatunji, the African Showboyz have shared stages with Stevie Wonder, Fela and Fema Kuti, Arrested Development and many others. The African Showboyz joined Mickey Hart band for their final three shows of 2012. They received such an overwhelming response, Hart decided to bring them on tour. The African Showboyz open each show and join the Mickey Hart band throughout the night, transforming the Mickey Hart Band onto a 12 piece ensemble, with a total of 7 percussionists and 7 vocalists.
