UT Martin Percussion Samba Reggae10/26/2009The University of Tennessee at Martin percussion ensemble (Dr. Julie Hill, Director) performs some samba reggae rhythm samples from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil.A fusion of samba and reggae, this style emerged in the 1970s in the heavily infused Afro-Brazilian city of Salvador alongside a resurgence in black awareness inspired by the influence of artists like Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. The result is an infectious groove that fills the mind and body with an insatiable primal energy.
Since it’s beginning, a focus on new political consciousness and social reality has developed. Blocos Afros (Afro Blocks) have formed throughout Salvador and have made this music a source of pride for it’s residents. Many of these Blocos Afros are dedicated to social transformation through music. The city of Salvador is eighty percent black with a large population of homeless children. Many of these children are adopted by the Blocos Afros and given food and clothing, but also taught to play percussion instruments thereby gaining confidence, pride, and the knowledge that through hard work and practice, they may choose their own path.
The Flecktone Four Are Back!10/20/2009Pearl Percussionist Future Man and the rest of the Flecktones will be doing a special tour with original Flecktone Howard Levy.