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| Chicago Afrobeat Project's Debut Album Chicago Afrobeat Project (CAbP) will celebrate the release of the band's first studio recording on November 12, 2005 with two shows at Martyrs' in Chicago, Ill. The evening performance will feature special guests Fareed Haque, Morikeba Kouyate, Howard Levy, Zach Brock and the CAbP Dancers (African dancers). The all-ages afternoon performance will begin with an opening set from the Lincoln Elementary School African Percussion Ensemble. CAbP will then perform one set with the CAbP dancers. Recording for CAbP's self-titled debut album began in July 2004. Like many live CAbP performances, the album features special guests, including Fareed Haque, Diverse, Poetree Chicago and Morikeba Kouyate. While the album is grounded in afrobeat, it echoes a variety of musical motifs ranging from West African percussion to Chicago's electronic house and hip-hop scenes. The conception of an afrobeat band in Chicago began in autumn, 2002 at a loft located on Lake Street and Halsted Avenue. Weekly jamming of cover tunes by African artists such as Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti and Manu Dibango eventually led to the foundation of seven like-minded musicians. The idea of CAbP as a "project" sets it apart from other bands in Chicago. From the beginning, guest musicians have continually been invited to rehearsals and performances. At any given show, the performers can vary from seven to as many as 15. In addition to the core rhythm and horn sections, CAbP shows have included African dance, break-dance, belly dance, live visual artists (painting), free- style hip-hop vocals, violins, and a variety of Chicago's best-known jazz and world music musicians. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |