ANANDI Releases New Album Showing Us
"A Better Way"
Ashé Records is proud to announce the release of A Better Way, an album of original songs by Anandi, in collaboration with producer Greg Goebel.A brilliantly talented Portland-based singer/songwriter, jazz stylist and music educator, Anandi returns to her songwriting roots, delivering a potent blend of spiritual and social consciousness mingled with commentary on the complexities of love. The uplifting title track, inspired by the homeless crisis in her hometown, speaks to poverty and despair, encouraging us to find ‘a better way’; on "Truth, Peace & Solitude" she reminds us to bring balance to our body, mind & soul; "Mandela" praises a great leader and his vision. Other songs, such as “Don’t Go To Bed Angry”, “Surrender To Me” and “Pleasure With The Pain” speak to the complexity of love relationships.Best known for his work with Portland area-based superstar Gino Vanelli, Greg Goebel’s accomplished musicianship surrounds Anandi’s clear and soulful voice with emotional and dynamic arrangements. Except for a guest appearance by tenor saxophonist Adrian Baxter on an upbeat version of Jim Pepper’s cult classic “Witchi-tai-to” there are only two creators on this album and the results are brilliant.With a name that means ‘bliss’ in Sanskrit one could easily infer that Anandi’s music would conjure up sounds and images of sleepy mellowness. But this isn’t “New Age” music. Anandi’s songs have a strong sense of wakefulness, containing a sense of wisdom and poetry rarely encountered in today's pop music.With her beautiful voice and as a talented composer of accessible songs with thoughtful lyrics this album should firmly establish Anandi as a major talent and an artist with much to offer. This is an album of poignant lyricism and melodic sophistication that invites multiple listens and invitations to share. A Better Way shall be digitally released and available on all streaming platforms Friday, October 28th, 2022. Anandi will be performing the music from her album in two live shows, on November 15th at Portland's intimate jazz venue The 1905 and on December 16th at Portland's premier venue, The Jack London Revue.A portion of the proceeds from the Jack London Revue show will go to benefit Rose Haven, a nonprofit organization aiding homeless women and children.
|
Holiday Music by Odetta and Yomo Toro
It's never too early to plan for Christmas! Ashé Records is proud of its two classic Chrismas releases by two iconic artists from two important musical cultures. Odetta, one of America's most distinguished African-American singers and musical scholars, sings the old Christmas Spirituals as they were sung 200 years ago. This is a music that, born of oppression, lifts and frees the spirit. Celebremos Navidad, by Puerto Rico's beloved Yomo Toro, takes the old aguinaldos sung every year at Christmas time in Puerto Rico and offers them back with swinging salsa and bomba/plena arrangements played and sung by Puerto Rico and New York's finest. These records may celebrate the season but they're good all year round.
|
MEMORY OF WATER: SAMMY FIGUEROA PLAYS THE HANGPAN
NOW AVAILABLE ON CD!
"The sound of the hangpan reminds us of the fluid and clear nature of water. It awakens ancient memories and renews our souls."
It's been a long wait but Memory of Water is finally available on physical CD, complete with credits and liner notes by producer Rachel Faro. Over the years this very special instrument and its bell-like harmonious tones have become popular throughout the world. Basically a steel drum created from a sophisticated metal alloy, and played with hands and fingers, the recording of this album, accomplished in one afternoon, displays Sammy's rhythmical and melodic skill.
The CD is available for order on Amazon Prime. The music is also available on all streaming services.
|
| Alvin Ailey Dance Company's 'Odetta' pays homage to "the Queen of American Folk Music" |
The Alvin Ailey Dance Company has created an acclaimed piece "Odetta", which continues to be included in their repertory. Choreographed by Matthew Rushing and originally danced by Hope Boykin, the inspiration for this work began when Ailey Artist Director Robert Battle attended the memorial for Odetta in New York's Riverside Church with Rachel Faro, president of Ashe Records and producer of the album Beautiful Star. Robert was so moved by this memorial, where he heard the words of Maya Angelou and the dedicated singing of Pete Seeger that he encouraged Matthew Rushing to choreograph a suite of dances around several of Odetta's songs. This tribute to one of America's greatest African-American personages remains one of Ailey's most popular offerings.
|
|
