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The Ryder Guide to the Lotus Festival 2005 Seán Dwyer If there is a hallmark of the Lotus World Music Festival, it is diversity, musical as well as geographical. Now in its 12th year, the Festival brings distinctive and renowned artists from around the world for four extraordinary days of international music-making in Bloomington.
For 2005, music sung in Portuguese dominates, in the form of Ana Moura, Badi Assad and Seu Jorge. This year’s Lotus Festival, September 22-25, also finds an unusually well-represented Nordic contingent, made up of Frigg and Garmarna.
THE SHOWCASE ARTISTS:
APPEX:
The Asia Pacific Performance Exchange (APPEX) proves that funding the arts makes sense. UCLA fellowships for Intercultural Performance led to the collaboration of a number of current and former Fellows: Chinese composer Liu Qi-Chao, Burmese instrumentalist Kyaw Kyaw Naing, Indian percussionist Abhijit Banerjee and other stellar performers. With these fellowships going only to the most exceptional musicians in each field, you can be sure that the works they present will show rare creative depth and imagination.
Badi Assad:
This year, we get to hear Portuguese singing from two continents. Brazil is represented twice, first by Badi Assad, a warm, personable vocalist who has collaborated with artists as diverse as the legendary Toquinho and John Abercrombie. A composer since age 4, Assad will provide a vocal sound like that of the female singer-songwriters you know and love, with a bossa nova sway mixed in from time to time.
Balkan Beat Box:
Well! Lotus often offers a sample of music from the Balkan region, but the Festival breaks with tradition by bringing an Israeli duo in as leaders of a Balkan ensemble. The music itself sounds as if a bunch of Bulgarians crashed a hip hop gig, balalaikas in hand. The leaders, Tamir Muskat and Ori Kaplan, have concocted a vibrant show that incorporates much jumping around and some clever DJ work.
Creole Cowboys:
An annual cornerstone of the Festival is the Cajun act. This year, Lotus has brought in the Creole Cowboys, featuring accordionist Jeffrey Broussard and fiddler/vocalist Cedric Watson. Though Watson is a Houston native, his fiddle licks are as hot as you could want them to be, and his French isn't bad for a Texas guy. Remember that the Cajun shows always fill up fast, so it's a good idea to get there early. Malcolm Dalglish: This master of the hammered dulcimer and other instruments lives locally but is admired worldwide for his beautiful instrumental and vocal compositions and arrangements. This year he will collaborate onstage with Moira Smiley, formerly of Vida, and Showcase artist Tim Eriksen. Every bit of the expressiveness and creativity that Dalglish produces can be onveyed by this pair of companions, so prepare to be enchanted by his musical imagination.
Rachael Davis:
At age 23, Rachael Davis continues to create music that is far more mature than her years would indicate. A Michigan-born singer-songwriter now living in Boston, she is twenty-one years into her stage career, thanks to her musician parents. For her second Lotus appearance, Davis will collaborate onstage with Jake Armerding, whose Dobro-laden folk holds its own with Davis's soulful style. Her introspective musical musings explore the younger, female side of what Lotus Dickey was all about, so don’t miss her.
Lotus Dickey Tribute:
Every year, Bloomington old-time musicians gather with others who appreciate the musical genius of the Festival’s namesake to perform his music. This year’s tribute no doubt will be as heartwarming and enthusiastic as always, so make sure you check out the roots of the Lotus concept.
Tim Eriksen: In all the years of Lotus, no artist has shown the devotion to a particular musical niche that Tim Eriksen shows to traditional shape-note singing. Once a punk rocker, Eriksen developed a passion for both playing and teaching (at the university level) the sparsely accompanied, complexly sung folk music he will perform at Lotus. No artist at this year's Festival will put more on the line, as he stands before his audience singing these naked songs.
Ruthie Foster:
Ella and Aretha don't need to come to Lotus for you to experience their energy, as it is embodied in Ruthie Foster's clear, expressive delivery of absolutely amazing tunes. From tango-tinged renderings to gospel and blues, the music pulls you into the experience that Foster has waiting for you. Her vibrant stage presence is perfectly suited to what the Festival is all about—connecting artists and listeners.
Frigg: Though Sweden's Väsen is not on the Lotus roster for 2005, this year's Festival offers a choice of Nordic sounds, the first option being Frigg. Covering the music of Finland and Norway, with touches of American folk, the use of up to five fiddlers (including three members of the famous Järvelä family) provides a depth of sound that few traditional acts can match. Funkadesi: If you listen to their music, you will be hard-pressed to believe me when I tell you that this mixture of Indian, reggae, Latin and African sounds is a Chicago-based band. Another Lotus alum back for more fun, this large ensemble can make you dance any number of ways, reaching every genre with a sincerity and strength that makes you think you are moving from country to country rather than hearing a band shift its musical gears. Garmarna:
Whereas Frigg displays the acoustic sensibilities of Lotus favorite Väsen, Garmarna stretches farther into other musical realms. Behind the haunting soprano vocals of Emma Härdelin you will hear a hurdy-gurdy, as well as traditional string instruments and modern percussion. Toss in some rock guitar and sampled sounds, and you have a captivating blend of new and old that works very well. Los Gauchos de Roldán:
Lotus finds the wildest stuff for the Festival. This year, Uruguay finally makes an appearance in the guise of Los Gauchos de Roldán, and they turn out to be—a polka band. Since Lotus is not averse to the accordion (you know you love the Cajun accordion), this gentle band is a perfect complement to the hot Louisiana sounds. With the legendary accordionist Walter Roldán as its focal point, the Gauchos will have you swaying and spinning in the aisles.
Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion:
Lotus has hosted relatives of famous artists before, but it's a special treat to have Arlo Guthrie's daughter, Sarah Lee Guthrie, on the Festival stages this year. She and her husband, Johnny Irion, have created an amazing duet sound that occasionally reminds one of the soul of Neil Young's better singing. With sweet acoustic guitar sounds to back them up, Guthrie and Irion will enhance the Festival without overpowering it.
Alkinoos Ioannidis:
This is the first time Lotus has ventured to Cyprus, where Alkinoos Ioannidis was born (in Nicosia). Essentially a quiet acoustic artist, Ioannidis can rev up his voice and his instrumentation to produce crescendos of musical passion. Sharp fiddle and rolling rhythms round out his sound, which you should not miss.
King Wilkie:
As traditional a country sound as can be found today emanates from the sextet King Wilkie. Banjo, mandolin and fabulous harmonies reminiscent of Garth Brooks make this band a winner. They write original traditional-style tunes but pay homage to the greats along the way. There is no tricked-up modern stuff here, so be ready to pretend it's 1950 and you're listening to Hank Williams.
Kusun Ensemble:
Ghana has a rich musical heritage, and the Kusun Ensemble show off the best of it. Led by Nii Tetty Tetteh, the group takes on all kinds of music from Ghana, with the addition of jazzy elements and unexpected rhythms making the group's sound, called "Nokoko," unique. As one of the most inclusive acts at this year's Festival, the Ensemble sings in a number of Ghanaian languages and displays many facets of the nation's culture. The group is exceptionally proud of its roots; they will even take you to their drum school in Ghana, if you wish.
Lura: The 2005 Festival is heavily laden with singing in Portuguese, and Lura almost qualifies, as her Cape Verde Portuguese creole is a close relative. Her smooth alto voice flows over sensuous rhythmic tunes. She mixes engaging uptempo numbers reminiscent of Afropop with songs that make intriguing use of the cello or a plaintive violin. A visually evocative artist, Lura is spellbinding on the stage. Mamar Kassey:
When you see the leader of this smooth Afro-pop octet from Niger, don’t think he’s Mamar Kassey. He’s Yacouba Moumouni, grandson of the band’s namesake, who earned the honor by pulling the people of Niger together peacefully in the independence years. There is a serious side to this band’s pop, and it may stem from the legacy it has created for itself in its choice of name, but adding substance to Afro-pop doesn’t make it one whit less danceable.
Mártires del Compás:
Rowdy flamenco? Flamenco is indeed rowdy, with its foot-stomping and drama, but here we're talking about flamenco infused with electric instruments, raw guitar, and touches of reggae and rap. The leader of this bunch of visionaries is Chico Ocaña, who calls his sound "flamenco billy." You will find something far different from the staid intensity of flamenco at this show.
Ana Moura: More Portuguese singing, this time from a Portuguese artist, Ana Moura. Her traditional fado songs, updated for today's listeners, come across well in her husky alto voice. She weaves her voice soulfully with the acoustic guitar of Jorge Fernando, and the lighthearted melodies, combined with the poetic lyrics of fado, make her tunes something more than your usual gentle acoustic folk music. Nawal: This female vocalist from the Comoros Islands provides a stunning visual show to accompany her gentle, hypnotic singing and acoustic stringed instruments, including the gambusi. As she explores the music of her Indian Ocean base, Nawal brings to the fore her experiences with Sufi religious traditions. You have before you a rare opportunity to witness a performance of this type. Plena Libre: In a Festival that is heavy on Latin acts, this Puerto Rican outfit still manages to be distinctive. Plena is the musical genre of the Island, and its invocation of African rhythm under the blast of horns is never better expressed than in the work of this extremely popular septet. The spectacular update of this traditional music makes for the quintessential dancing show; those always draw huge crowds, so get there early.
Samarabalouf:
What we have here is an intriguing approach to Gypsy music, partly because the quartet is French and partly because these guys perform original music that keeps alive the driving Gypsy rhythms of Django Reinhardt. Originally comprised of two acoustic guitars (François Petit, Pierre Margerin) and a double bass (Luc Ambry), the recent addition of accordionist Arnaud Van Lancker has made this music especially evocative of the Gypsy sounds they render so faithfully.
Seu Jorge: The "other" Brazilian on the Lotus stage this year, Seu Jorge has a huge vocal range and a voice that sounds at times like that of Lou Rawls. By not going in for the horns and other embellishments of some Latin music, Seu Jorge manages to remain at the center of his songs. After a harsh life in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, this gifted singer has earned the acclaim he knows in Brazil, and you are lucky to be able to witness his show. Jake Shimabukuro:
The ukulele is meant to back Don Ho's voice, right? Not these days. The Hawaiian Jake Shimabukuro is showing the world that this little guitar is not for chord-strumming any more. He has electrified his uke and messed around with pedals to distort the sound. Thus, he can be mistaken for Jimi Hendrix at times. From jazz to bluegrass, the ukulele, in Shimabukuro's hands, is something you have never heard before. Don't miss the chance to be amazed by what he can do. Sidi Goma: Black Sufis of Gujarat:
Based in a progressive state in India, these descendants of East African Sufis show their faith to Bava Gor, the Black Sufi saint, through dance, chant and mystical drumming. Their elaborate costumes and painted faces will hypnotize you and make you part of their ceremony.
Téada: Whereas Lotus had three Irish acts last year, for 2005, you will have one shot at your favorite Celtic sounds, via Téada. You will never hear a sweeter traditional sound, and the vocals of Oisín Mac Diarmada, sung in Irish, bring you a step closer to the "real" Irish sound than some other bands do. Now extremely popular in their home nation, Téada have made a name for themselves in record time. Remember, of course, that the Irish shows always fill up fast, especially when there is so little Irish music to be had.
Tlen-Huicani:
The opportunity to hear traditional Mexican music at Lotus does not come as frequently as you might think. The Veracruz-based traditional quintet Tlen-Huicani takes its name (meaning "The Singers") from the language of the Aztecs. Its centerpiece instrument is the harpa jarocha, and band director Alberto de la Rosa is a masterful interpreter of its sonic capabilities. Alternating between the two traditional musical forms of huapango and son, the quintet has earned well-deserved praise as the best folk group in Mexico.
Le Trio Joubran:
Three Palestinian brothers, Wissam, Samir and Adnan Joubran, born in Nazareth, make up this trio. Their stringed instrument of choice is the oud, a large-bodied Arabic lute. The traditional sounds the brothers produce do not lose their intensity in a modern setting. With evocative percussion backing the oud, the trio is a sonic delight you should not miss.
Voco:
It is so good to welcome Moira Smiley back to the Festival. As a founding vocalist with Vida, she and her cohorts forged new sonic experiences that no one who ever heard them can forget. That a cappella group explored music from all over the world, and now, with Voco, Smiley brings new voices, as well as a banjo and a cello, into a different musical realm. The result is a tapestry of sound, rather than the wall to hang it on that was Vida's vocal approach. The touch of instrumentation that mingles with the stunning Voco vocal arrangements shows that Smiley's next step in the musical continuum is a sure-footed one destined to be as memorable as her legacy with Vida.
The Wailin' Jennys:
While they are appearing only on Thursday, the Wailin' Jennys merit a full writeup because they are simply an enchanting trio of voices that mesh as well as one could wish. Almost a female version of the Crosby, Stills and Nash harmonies, with the feathery touch of Joni Mitchell added for good measure, their original tunes display an understanding of roots folk that would make Lotus Dickey proud, yet they display a sophistication and intelligence that pulls in every listener. Their performance will be a memorable one, so remember to look for them on Thursday night. The End Home Top
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