Congo Sanchez – Vol. 1

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Congo Sanchez – “Democrazy”
Vol. 1

Congo Sanchez is set to release his debut EP on ESL Music April 17th. Vol. 1 sees Congo step into the limelight as the talented multi-instrumentalist shows why he is one of the most versatile musicians in the Washington DC community. He’s already worked on The Empresarios’ Bestia EP, Funk Ark’s From the Rooftops and Thievery Corporation’s Culture of Fear. If he’s not in the studio, he’s usually out on tour with Thievery Corporation or See-I. His unique blend of Afro-Latin dub is all over this terrific EP. Sounds of Fania All-Stars, Fela’s Africa ’70, The
JBs, and Miles Davis’ early jazz rock experiments are all present on this set, while the entire package is wrapped up in Jamaican dub wise production. Congo developed an early appreciation for music from around the globe and he has carried that fascination into his compositions and improvisations.

“During college, I discovered world music. I learned the
Yoruba traditions of Nigeria and the Fon traditions of Benin and how they remained vital throughout slavery in the Western Hemisphere. I transcribed Afro-Cuban and Haitian rhythms to accompany a dance class I played for and began composing pieces for Solo Percussion
and Chamber Jazz Ensembles.” – Congo Sanchez

For his first EP, Congo produced and played almost everything on the record. Karen Joy McCoy lends her violin to “Democrazy,” the heavy funk tune which you can listen to above. The horn section from Ikebe Shakedown – Morgan Price, sax; Jason Colby, trumpet; Nadav Nirenberg, trombone – added their instruments to “T.E.T.O. (strut),” which blends the Latin Fania sound with Fela’s Afro-beat. “Ghost Dance” delivers some spooky guitar with some syncopated drums and percussion in the style of the popular Go Go bands. “Oleada Calor” sounds as if a UFO was pumping out music as it flew above a Caribbean carnival celebration. This EP is not to be missed. Make sure you pick it up when it drops on April 17th and play it for your friends.

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