folk holidays

ODE TO THE SUN THAT SHINES EQUALLY ON EVERYONE

HUMANISM IN THE RHYTHMS OF JAZZ AND WEST AFRICA

"We don’t strive for crazy speed and wild solos — we offer subtlety and beauty," say Cuban jazz pianist Omar Sosa, kora player and singer Seckou Keita from Senegal, and Venezuelan percussionist Gustavo Ovalles. They deeply respect each other’s traditions, listen to one another with great humility, and understand when to give space and when to speak together. They have no leader — the music and the message they share take that role. And the longer they are apart, the more they look forward to reuniting, resulting in an extraordinary burst of energy.
With their transcendent jazz ode Transparent Water, they delve into the human soul and discover a truth: regardless of where we come from, what religion we follow, or the colour of our skin, we should strive to live in mutual respect and communicate in the universal language — music.
And when it comes to their concerts and the need to respond to the fusion of jazz, West African traditions, Latin American rhythms, and improvisation that touches on many other musical corners, they offer a simple piece of advice:
"If you can't move your feet, use your hands — and if even that isn't possible, dance with your heart."