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CD Review
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Cranky Crow , CD Review >>
I have a soft spot in my heart for Ugandan musician-composer Samite. Not only does this exiled musician walk his talk, but his music deeply touches the heart. Samite possesses a gentle spirit and he generously offers stories from his own life so that listening to his songs becomes a truly intimate experience. One might think they are meeting with an old and dear friend while listening to the stories that appear on Samite's upcoming release, Embalasasa, follow up to the gorgeous Tunula Eno, (2003). I think those listeners who fell in love with Tunula Eno will also fall in love with Embalasasa, which also features guitar, flute, kalimba, bass, drums and percussion. Piano has also been added to the mix on this CD.
As I mentioned earlier, Samite walks his talk. In January 2006 and in 2005, Samite and his manager, Maria Mallon took trips to Africa to carry out the mission of Musicians for World Harmony, an organization founded by Samite to heal and bring peace through music. The press information came with entries from Samite and his manager's journals. We hear so many tragic stories hailing from Africa such as famines, wars and children orphaned by AIDS. We hear of children being sold into prostitution or turned over to the streets. Then in contrast, we hear gorgeous and vibrant music hailing from Africa, which is both the people of the African continents' lifeline and our own to help us heal our despair.
"I have had many stories and magical moments with people in refugee camps and children in orphanages, but I have a hard time sharing the stories with the public. These children share their stories with me after I play flute or play the kalimba for them and only then do they let their guard down and bring me into their lives. I do not want to betray their trust."
And yet, many African musicians such as Samite, who now resides in Ithaca, New York, share their talents in a way that brings healing to those who need it most, which in a sense is all of us because it is my belief that if we were healed we wouldn't create chaos and suffering on the planet. If we are not conscious of our thoughts, words and actions, we unconsciously contribute suffering around the globe. Fortunately, the songs on Samite's CD focus on love and healing. He brings us stories from his own childhood, and hope for children of future generations. He shares parables and all of his offerings are sung in his soothing voice and backed by Western and African instruments. He has created a gorgeous blend of percussion, kalimba, flute and guitar, with warm bass and piano cutting through now and again.
The grief that appears on Embalasasa is married to hopefulness and the belief that even one man's music can make a difference when it is accompanied by going out into the world and sharing that hope. Samite successfully blends messages of social justice and peace with compassionate songs. Proceeds from sales of this CD are donated to Musicians for World Harmony. 03/02/06 >> go there
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