Word-Beat (Tom Teasley and Charles Williams) at THEARC

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Saturday, May 27, 2006 duet Word-Beat (Tom Teasley and Charles Williams) will perform at THEARC, Washington, DC. Word-Beat combines the artistry of singer/actor Charles Williams and global-jazz percussionist/composer Tom Teasley in programs featuring the inspirational texts of such authors as Langston Hughes and Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as African folk songs. All are accompanied by inventive percussive rhythms and melodies. The duo has performed their critically acclaimed melding of music and voice at prestigious venues and before academic audiences in the U.S. and Europe.

Williams and Teasley achieve a true marriage of ancient melody and future sounds, of Africa, the West and beyond. They have recently added a program featuring the 13th century mystic poet Rumi accompanied by Tom's original music and inspired by Middle Eastern cultures. Timeless world rhythms evoked by Teasley's masterful blend of ethnic percussion and cutting-edge electronics underscore traditional verse delivered in spirited performance art mode by Williams. The two artists, each successful in his own right, are both dedicated educators presenting concerts and clinics internationally.

"In this their second CD, Word-beat presents an enthralling performance entitled The Soul Dances. Drawing heavily on various African proverbs and traditional African- American spirituals, Word-Beat delivers ancient wisdom wrapped in powerfully percussive grooves and uplifting melodies. This second Word-Beat offering is a triumphant celebration of the human spirit in both song and verse, underscored by Teasley's coloristic approach to the drum set and a variety of hand percussion instruments from around the world together with Williams' deep, commanding baritone vocals they make a joyful noise that stirs deep emotions and heavy thoughts as it invites us to get up on the goodfoot…" – Bill Milkowski

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