World jazz fusion with special attention to percussion, bass and piano.

9 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: World Fusion, WORLD: World Fusion



Details:
In 2001, Candice Lee and Greg Slawson were performing around the country as a piano duo. Because they wanted to explore other styles and textures, Candice asked Greg to compose original music for them. The new pieces included exotic percussion and the influence of many genres of music. They set out to create a new performance style.

For more variety, they decided to build on this concept by adding two other musicians. Greg wrote a piece for piano, bass, saxophone and many percussion instruments. Kassaba was born in August of 2002. Saxophonist Mark Boich and bassist Chris Vance round out the ensemble. Prior to joining Kassaba, they had all played for years in the traditional forms of classical, jazz and rock. Their music is a natural outgrowth of those experiences.

In Kassabaâs music, you hear thirty instruments and varied musical styles â jazz, rock, classical and world music. The music includes improvisation and precision. The quartet moves around during the music to play up to 10 instruments in one piece. Their performances are an exciting experience.

The music represents an expression of diversity and equality, illustrated by the compositional style and the array of instruments. Because the concept is ever-changing, all four musicians contribute to its evolution. All four members have benefited from growing with this ensemble and they are now focused on ways that the group can help others. As part of their mission, the group is giving back to their community and charity with proceeds from their CD profits.

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Kassaba has performed in New York City, Toronto, and all over the Northeastern US. Kassaba also recently opened for African musician Daby Touré, who toured with Peter Gabriel.