Munyugo Jackson and Friends
Many Additional Photos
Click on each picture to see video of performance
There are moments in life when all things become one. The
elements of the universe come together and in an instant, life is created.
Blessed are those who bear witness to the wonders and marvels of such divine
intervention. A new spirit arises and the sound of a pulse beats with the
rhythm that is unique all unto itself, for this miracle can never be created
exactly the same again.
Percussion Madness!
Congas, Flute, Guitar, Violin, Bass, Percussion and Poetry
radiate from the epicenter of Lemeirt
Park. Packed wall to wall
and spilling into the streets, the people of the neighborhood of 43rd
and Degnan are summoned to experience the power of the music emanating through
the doors of the World Stage. The Verizon Music Festival sponsored Master
Percussionist Munyungo Jackson and a musical jazz journey took us all over the
world and back.
Don Littleton
From the depths Africa, through Cameroon
to Panama
to and back to South Central, the music from the motherland that has
transcended through hundreds of years beat down upon the tiny four walls of the
World Stage. Its dominating influence was poured right into the open and
willing souls of those who came to quench their beings with an enriching and
everlasting musical experience. It was so thick up in the place! Thunder,
Lightning, Earthquakes, Tsunamis and all other powerful forces of nature could
have been caused by this butterfly effect.
Derf on Flute
It is so wonderful to see the people in a community come
together to meet and share artistic, cultural and musical experiences with their
neighbors. Imagine how peaceful the world would be if in every community,
music, especially jazz music, was the common thread that wove the seams of all
colors, religions and beliefs into a fabric of love everlasting!
Karen on Violin!
Instruments were meant to be played like this! The beats of
the hearts of the people matched those of the powerful drums. Screams and
hollers of elation involuntarily rang out of the mouths of those present like a
healing force reaching in and pulling out pain, misery and despair. Was this
Devil music? No! It was hedonistic, earthmoving, creative, cacophonic musical
love.
Munyungo Jackson
Munyungo’s players are like superheroes, each possessing
their own special power as they join forces to rid the world of the evil foes
of bad music. With capes flowing in the wind and musical muscles that protrude
from leather and lycra, the goal of this extraordinary band of players is “to
groove, talk little and have a bunch of fun!”
The whole band is a rhythm section.On Percussion, Munyungo
Jackson joined with Don Littleton, the great drummer Ndugu Chanceler providing
timeless time on Drums. From Cameroon,
electric bass player Andre Manga displayed some phenomenal melodic and funky
sounds. On Flute, Bottle, and Percussion the always amazing Derf Reklaw with an
unequivocal mixture of yodeling, throat singing and extraordinary African
chants and calls. Wayne Vaughn on piano playing percussive melodies,
complimenting and providing a solid foundation for all miracles to happen. Oh
my goodness, the fierce and dynamic Karen Briggs piercing our souls on Violin
with a tone that reaches up and touches the spiritual center of solar system
and reigns supreme creative energy down upon her disciples. On guitar and
vocals, from Panama,
Rogelio Mitchell plays wonderfully and sings with a joyful voice!
Ms Iona
Poetic skills abound from Iona Morris, “Ms I”, as she posses
and speaks the truth about the curvaceous kryptonite that can call all men to
attention, drain their power and leave them in a state of blissful weakness!
Sitting in also on guitar, in a duet with Munyungo, was 20 year old soulful
sensation Amanda Dumas, who sings her songs young love and Star Buck
blues.
Amanda Dumas
This was certainly a special night to remember. Those of us
present to experience such miraculous set of music all leave with a nugget of
joy that bonds us together. People talk about times in their lives and these
stories are passed down on to other generations. The spirit of good music and
good times last forever!
LeRoy Downs
