“Wired Desire have an enthusiasm and love for rock that is infectious. They will make you smile.” BBC RADIO 2

“Desire have delivered a lapel-grabbing four-track debut EP that brightens rock’s future to an ever more dazzling degree with each successive play. Stunning high voltage stuff.” CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE

“A confident, young enthusiastic band that sound like they know what they are doing and where they are going” JON ASTLEY – Producer & Mastering Engineer (The Who, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton)

“This band is what rock and roll is ALL about. LOUD PROUD AND ROCKING THE CROWD! Wired Desire, this is only beginning of something really big! Keep it coming!” THE ATOMIC CHASER, ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE (Los Angeles)

“The best support band we’ve had in 40 years!” NAZARETH

Lay down your souls for the new gods of Rock ‘n’ roll!

Wired Desire release debut EP – Barely Illegal

The pioneers for a new generation of rock music announce new London date… AND A FREE BAR (for media).

Monday 29th September 2008 – The Fly (New Oxford Street, onstage 19.30)

Debut EP, Barely Illegal is released on 6th October 2008

Tune in, turn up the volume and strap yourselves in as Wired Desire take you on a trip of no nonsense, high velocity Rock ‘n’ Roll! Fresh from their full UK tour with rock Gods Nazareth, Wired Desire are fast building themselves a reputation as the pioneers for a new generation of rock music.

Barely Illegal, their debut EP is packed with raucous riffs, heavy licks and a bass on it with more revs than a Formula One carburettor. Set for official release on 6th October, the EP has already shifted over 700 units from sales at their last 13 gigs alone. With an impressive 400,000 Myspace views including an average of 400 plays a day the Scottish rockers are certainly wired up and undeniably desirable!

Having already shared the stage with Wishbone Ash, Eric Bell and Bad Company the boys mesmerising live show continues to tear through the UK music scene winning over new fans every night. Citing their influences as Aerosmith, ZZ Top, AC/DC and The Rolling Stones, these 5 young rock stars (the oldest of which is only 22) have already achieved in under 2 years what most bands don’t achieve in a lifetime.

Rock ‘n’ Roll is back with a vengeance and Wired Desire are leading the way!!

Wired Desire’s 2008 UK tour continues at the following dates:

29th September – The Fly (New Oxford Street), London
30th September – The Metro Club, London
24th October – Glasgow Supp Tattooed Millionaires, Scotland
27th November – Paisley Student Union, Scotland
5 Dec 2008 20:00 – Hard Rock Hell II: The Dragon’s Ball, North Wales, Wales

For more information or press passes please contact Tom Green or Lucius Yeo on Tom@zestpr.com / Lucius@zestpr.com or call 020 7734 0206

www.myspace.com/wireddesireband

www.wireddesire.co.uk

Wired Desire are:

Kieran Daly (22) – Vocals, Jam (22) – Lead Guitar, Eddy (20) – Rhythm Guitar, Danny (21) – Bass, Jeeves (22) – Drums

Around 10:30, a group from Chicago called Liquor Boxx took to the stage, which I had been noticing before they’d even gone up because it looked, well…professional.. Though appearing to be effortlessly cool, someone in the band had obviously put a lot of thought into the look of it, with scarves on the mic stand, and a tiger-print looking drum kit and matching guitars, though it didn’t give the impression they were trying too hard.

They announced that they were on the East coast leg of their tour, dubbed “Inner Peace”, and started with a catchy up-tempo number. With the opening notes, their Hendrix and Zeppelin influences were plain to see, though they were coupled with the band’s own dramatic flair. It soon became clear that Kevin Mace the singer, is quite the frontman and before the night was over he literally had people moving on the dance floor and several women who actually invited themselves onstage. During their set, Patrick Creedon, the guitarist actually played guitar around a girl and then hoisted her on his shoulder-all the while doing a wicked guitar solo. The bassist, Marty Farrelly, was very solid and had a great quiet presence and Johnny Stoneking, their drummer, played a five minute solo that ended with him playing with glow-in-the-dark sticks and then just his hands!

Liquor Boxx offered a live show that had something that I haven’t seen in a long time-substance. Not only do they actually play their instruments, but they play them exceptionally well, not only are they charismatic but they make you feel personally involved in, and responsible for, their rising stature on the indie scene; you’re rooting for these guys to succeed because they work so hard, put on a great show, entertain the crowd and they have that intangible something special. Already signed to Refugee Entertainment, LLC, a smart move by the indie record label, Liquor Boxx’s live show offers guitar contortionism, musical virtuosity, charisma, and passionate, bluesy alternative rock at its best.

Liquor Boxx upcoming “Inner Peace” tour dates:

08.28.08 10:00 PM New York City NY Arelene’s Grocery

08.30.08 8:00 PM Southbridge MA The Pump House

09.05.08 8:00 PM Pawtucket RI KC’s Tap

09.07.08 8:00 PM Barrington NJ The Roadhouse

09.11.08 8:00 PM Philadelphia PA Sweeney’s

09.13.08 8:00 PM New York City NY The Knitting Factory

09.20.08 1:15 AM Marietta GA Atlantis Music Conference

10.17.08 8:00 PM Raleigh NC Dive Bar

10.18.08 8:00 PM Fayetteville NC The Rock Shop

10.24.08 8:00 PM Hilton Head Island SC Riders Lounge

10.25.08 8:00 PM Hilton Head Island SC Riders Lounge

10.26.08 8:00 PM Hilton Head Island SC Riders Lounge

Liquor Boxx sites: http://www.myspace.com/liquornbooze

http://www.refugeeentertainmentllc.com

There’s Only One Woman To Watch Out For

This Summer

The New Album ‘One Man Woman’ – released 1^st September, 2008

After providing backing vocals for Mariah Carey, James Brown and Charlotte Church, Shena, one of the UK’s most versatile vocalists, is releasing her debut album of stunningly sumptuous soul tracks and now she is the star herself!

‘One Man Woman’ due out on the 1^st September is a beautiful collection of ‘stripped down soul’, showcasing Shena’s dazzling vocal style. Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill have been key influences and Shena exudes their sexy self-confidence and shares their ability to captivate audiences, promising to appeal to an international audience.

Making her mark on the music scene, Shena sang on Michael Gray’s 2004 smash ‘The Weekend’, and performed the track live to the nation on Top Of The Pops.

Singing has always been a passion for Shena. When she was a young girl she was greatly influenced by the baritone voice of her Grenadian father, describing him as a “Calypso Nat King Cole!” Her talent was spotted at an early age and Shena’s school teachers paid with their own funds for professional singing lessons after school to better her chances of having a career in music.

However, life at school was not always so rosy.As she began studying for her A-Levels, she received a less motivating welcome from the new teacher of her music class. She was exposed to her first major dose of cynicism and was forced to deal with prejudice. Although branded as someone that “would only ever become a secretary”, Shena turned the negative into positive motivation, and set out to prove him wrong.

A rendition of an aria from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess won her an unconditional place at the Royal Academy of Music which certainly began to prove the tutor wrong and reinforced her faith in herself. At the Royal Academy she studied classically, but loved commercial music too.

From graduating she got her first big break working with Michael Ball and since then has worked with Luther Vandross, Girl’s Aloud, Sugababes, Angie Stone, Chaka Khan, Lesley Garrett, Belinda Carlisle and Kelly La Roc to name but a few!

Performing on BBC’s ‘Songs Of Praise’ at the tender age of 21, Shena sang “Don’t Cry For Me” in a tribute to the tragic loss of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence. The BBC was inundated with messages from the British public demanding to know who this amazing young performer was, and requesting her to release the track!

Now with six top twenty dance hits under her belt it has been a natural progression for Shena to release her own material. She feels that she has paid her dues as a backing vocalist.
Shena is also a talented writer and has written tracks for Javine and Lemar (Eternal wanted one of her tracks but she kept it for herself!)

Shena is finally taking the next step and releasing her own material. She can currently can also be heard taking the lead vocal on the hit “Watch Out” by Alex Gaudino, which is currently a favourite on Radio 1, Kiss FM and London’s Capital Radio.

www.shena.co.uk
www.myspace.com/shenawinchester

For more information please contact Ian Roberts or Sara Boughton
Zest PR
Tel.0044 (0)20 7734 0206
ian@zestpr.com / sara@zestpr.com

Shena is performing around the UK on the following dates:
26^th Jul 2008 – Liquid, Sunderland
15^th Aug 2008 – Liquid, Windsor
22^nd Aug 2008 – Café de Paris, London
26^th Sep 2008 – Liquid, Basildon

Goodbye (single) – August 25^th, 2008
Second Time Around (single) – October 6^th
Second Time Around (album) – October 13^th

With over 350 shows in the last two years including four tours of the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Germany, Nell Bryden – American songstress, poet and free spirit – is back on the UK shores with a new collection of stirring songs.

‘Second Time Around’ (released 13^th October, 2008) is an anthology of ten blues, country / modern Dixie and jazz tracks all delivered in Nell’s sassy and vibrant yet elegant and sexy style. A woman of many musical talents, she not only writes and sings but also plays electric, acoustic and twelve string guitars as well as the dobro and cello on the record.

Renowned for her live shows, Nell has already supported KT Tunstall and lined up opening slots for the Counting Crows this July. Also famous for her vocal ability, she has a reputation for entertaining with a playful rock `n roll lure yet still warming even the coldest of hearts.

Drawing influences from Ryan Adams and Bob Dylan through to soul divas like Nina Simone and Bonnie Raitt, Nell’s musical heritage is rich. Born in Brooklyn into an artistic family Nell grew up with her father, an impressionist painter and her mother who was a classical singer. Her musical development began early with her studying the piano at 4 and then picking up the cello aged 9 – she later taught herself to write music.

“Most of my songs are about some sort of longing for meaningful love, and I remain a completely hopeful romantic. My lyrics have a darker undertone but I’m essentially a sanguine optimist”.

The album, which is currently getting radio play across the US and Canada on more than 84 stations, has already charmed the other side of the Atlantic. Set for release in the UK on 13^th October on 157 Records, early indications suggest it will do much the same over here.

Nell Bryden’s 2008 tour continues at the following dates.
8^th July – Liverpool Arena – supporting The Counting Crows (8pm) – Liverpool
10^th July – Ambassador Theatre – supporting The Counting Crows (8pm) – Dublin, Ireland
12^th July – Hootenannies (8 pm) – Inverness, Scotland
14^th July – The Pigalle Club, Piccadilly, London.
16^th July – The Big Secret @ Ginglik (8pm) – London
17^th July – The Jam House (8pm) – Birmingham
18^th July – The Roadhouse (8pm) – Manchester
19^th July – Acoustic Edinburgh @ Medina – Edinburgh
22^nd July – Whelan’s – 8pm – Dublin, Ireland
23^rd July – Whelan’s – 8pm – Dublin, Ireland
24^th July – DeBarra’s – 8 pm – Clonakilty, Ireland
25^th July – The Stables – 8pm – Mullingar, Ireland
For press passes please get in contact:
For more information please contact Ian Roberts (ian@zestpr.com) or Tom Green (tom@zestpr.com) or call 020 7734 0206.
www.myspace.com/nellbryden
www.nellbryden.com

For more news and information you can also check his fan site in America FSH.com and The Bands official MySpace.

For some reviews:

John Rhys Eddins of Blue-Power and his take on Fredrik and the Band BluePower review

Tor Ottesen of Blues World his take on and interview with Fredrik Halland 2006 interview

Previous posts: HiHat Presents Fredrik Strand Halland takes Europe by Storm!

The single “The 48a Waiting Steps” will be free to download on the week of release from Monday 30^th June, 2008 at 7digital.com. Fifty exclusive 7′ inch vinyls with Davey’s handwritten lyrics will also be available at Sister Ray Records, Soho, London, where the band will be playing an in-store on the day of release.

The accompanying video is the first self made Crimea video where the band have been involved in the creative and writing element, with their mucky fingers all over the editing suite – in lead-singer Davey’s own words; “It’s like The Deer Hunter but shot in Highgate cemetery. I’d never have been able to make this on my last (major) label”.

Maintaining a close relationship with their fans, The Crimea have also appealed to fans to make their own videos for “The 48a Waiting Steps”, and are running a competition for the best fan made video on their YouTube page –www.youtube.com/thecrimea. The prize being the smashed guitar featured in the video!
The Crimea first came to light when Davey gave a demo to the legendary John Peel who happened to walk past as Davey was sweeping the streets of Soho – John played all 11 tracks and a band was born.

After leaving Warner Brothers in September 2006, the Crimea spent seven months recording the album “Secrets Of The Witching Hour” and released it for free online. It is still available to download at www.thecrimea.net and has recently surpassed 100,000 downloads. The album is free for all time, to all, with nothing required from the listeners in return – not even an email address.

In February 2008 The Crimea released their first single ‘Loop a Loop’ from the free album. 16 different mixes were available on sixteen different music blogs ranging from America’s trendiest to a 16 year -old girl in a tower block in Stockholm. The single had tremendous success at radio and even featured on the latest Trident chewing gum advert, currently airing on UK terrestrial TV.

In July 2008 the Crimea are officially releasing “Secrets of the Witching Hour” in the USA before returning to the UK in August to play festivals.

The remaining 48a ‘Waiting Steps’ tour dates are:
Proud Gallery (Davey Solo gig)
8th June 2008, 16:00
Stables market Camden
Cost : free
The Enterprise
9th June 2008, 20:00
35 Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1
Cost : £6
Sister Ray Records (Soho)
30 Jun 2008, 20:00
Cost : 0
An instore world exclusive where 50 copies of 7 inch ” 48a waiting steps” will be available containing ticket to that nights secret gig.
The Gate
02 Jul 2008, 19:00
Roath , Cardiff,
Cost : £7
Sit down candlelight evening with the Crimea
Barfly (upstairs) / Glasgow
05 Jul 2008, 20:00
Cost :
A Candlelit evening with The Crimea
Bush Hall, Shepherd’s Bush, London
09 Jul 2008, 20:00
Candlelit evening with The Crimea.
For media enquiries please contact:
Zest PR
Tom@zestpr.com /Ben@zestpr.com
020 7734 0206
–ENDS–
www.myspace/thecrimea
Notes to the Editor:
The Crimea played a monumental midnight gig on the top of Primrose Hill on the night they released their free album, it went online at 12am exactly and there was a crowd of over 250 people.
The Crimea’s first album sold over 35,000 copies and their single ‘Lottery Winners on Acid’ was a top 40 hit.
The Crimea’s third single Baby Boom’ came in at number 8 on John Peel’s 2003 Festive Fifty, just ahead of ‘Maps’ by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and ‘Seven Nation Army’ by The White Stripes.
The Crimea recently supplied the music for the Trident chewing gum advertisement.
Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody is a fan of The Crimea. Davey’s demos for the third Crimea album have heavily influenced the writing of Snow Patrol’s third album.
Davey McManus is also a published author – his book of short stories ‘Unamazing Digraces’ was launched last year.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – They’re dark and intense. Frontman is covered with tattoos. They play blistering heavy metal laced with throat-scalding vocals and string-shedding guitar. And they sing songs about : Gorbachev?

America has never seen a rock band quite like ANJ, which will be hitting U.S. shores imminently for a summer tour. Fronted by captivating frontman and mastermind Anatoly Zhuravlev (AKA ANJ), the band describes itself as “Megadeth after five bottles of Russian vodka” – and indeed, the group’s sonic attack stands up to the most celebrated American metal.

But ANJ lacks the gloomy self-seriousness that characterizes much of the genre, citing “Slavic folklore” as an influence alongside Metallica; listeners accustomed to the cold-fish attitudes of mainstream metal-mongers will find ANJ a delicious blast of Russian caviar. Indeed, they’re closer in spirit to the satirical animated band Dethklok from Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim series Metalocalypse. This is largely due to Anatoly’s Eastern charm, self-aware humor and flair for storytelling, which make ANJ’s songs about as animated as live action can be. The indefatigable performer is also a filmmaker, and is currently preparing an action-suspense flick.

The band recently traveled to Los Angeles to record their song “Gorbachev” in English, assisted by producer John Travis (Kid Rock, Buckcherry), guitarist Levon Sultanian and drummer Roy Mayorga. The video was directed by comedy ace Tom Stern, known for his work on such series as Crank Yankers, The Man Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and That’s My Bush.

In addition to its lead singer’s cocky, compelling theatricality, ANJ features the frenetic fretwork of prodigy guitarist Oleg Izotov. The Moscow-born axeman began playing at 13; by 16 he was a busy session musician. He later took first prize at the all-Russian “Mnogolikaya Gitara” (”Multifaced Guitar”) contest, as well as the “School of Rock” showdown organized by Russian MTV and the East-West company. In 2005, Oleg became Russia’s first and only endorser of Schecter guitars.

Formed in 2003, ANJ gave its first performance at a local MTV studio – and though the network’s producers expected pop-rock, the band quickly unleashed its amp-melting barrage. They soon gathered a rabid local following, fueled by the hit ballad “The First Night.” Their debut disc, Under an Intent Target, followed in short order. In 2005 they mounted their first international tour, beginning at the MetalMania fest in Katowice, Poland, and concluding (after an eight-month, scorched-earth campaign) at Moscow’s Luzhinski Arena. Eastern Europe quickly fell before their onslaught, and they’ve subsequently been welcomed as such metal and biker gatherings as Krasnogorsk Open Air, Friday 13th fest, Hail To Russia fest and Victory Fest.

ANJ represented Russia at 2006’s Finnish Metal Expo in Helsinki and at 2007’s Download in the UK.
http://www.myspace.com/anjkill

Yes they got…Long Hair!!!!…Bell Bottoms!!!!…Fat Riffs!!!!…Soulful Vocals!!!!… Backbeat Drums!!!!…Big Blues Bass!!!!…Unforgetable Hooks!!!!… Kickass Live Rock n Roll Shows!!!!!!!!!

Rock Music, Alive N’ Kickin’ in the classic, forever loved, but not lost style of of Arena Rock. Stella’s Attic puts on the Show and Satisfaction is Guaranteed!

The FANS are there!!! and we know it, because we play for them night after night!

In the coming weeks we will be releasing a fresh, raw, skillfully executed E.P. Stella’s Attic is on the road to give back the community what it wants! Comprised of seasoned players, with great songwriting chops, and immeasurable stage experience, Stella’s Attic is the Group ready to Entertain any audience with an exciting, energetic Contemporary Rock Show.

Kickin off the Summer Live in New York City we’ll be starting off at R Bar on May 29th, 2008 9:30 pm… then going over to Williamsburg for a Night at the Trash Bar June 12th @ 9:30 pm and moving right into Fat Baby on the 26th of June at 8:30 pm…….So come on down and Rock with us!

Check us out at stellasattic.com or myspace.com/thescratchsessions for more info on our Record Release E.P., Tour Dates and Merchandise.

Passin’ on a whole lotta love…. Peace

With continuing funding from Arts Council England, the band have added a number of key dates to their tour, including a eagerly anticipated support slot to the Grammy-award winning Miriam Makeba, favourably known as ‘Mama Africa’ at the Brighton Festival which celebrates her 75^th birthday! Other exciting dates include the Guardian Hay Festival, and London’s revered Jazz Cafe, as well as planned gigs in Italy and Japan later this year.
www.seckoukeita.com
For more information please contact Sara Boughton or Jem Bahaijoub
Zest PR
Tel.0044 (0)20 7734 0206
sara@zestpr.com/ Jem@zestpr.com
Live Dates:
20 May 2008 – Album and Tour Launch at Momo, London
21 May 2008 – Brighton Festival, Support of Miriam Makeba (www.brightonfestival.org)
22 May 2008 – Brighton Festival, Lunch Concert (www.brightonfestival.org)
23 May 2008 – Acorn Theatre, Penzance (www.acornartscentre.co.uk)
27 May 2008 – Guardian Hay Festival (www.hayfestival.com)
28 May 2008 – Queens Hall, Edinburgh (www.thequeenshall.net)
29 May 2008 – Tolbooth, Stirling (www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth)
3 Jun 2008 – Invention Arts Centre, Bath (www.invention.tv)
4 Jun 2008 – B-Bar, Barbican Centre, Plymouth (www.b-bar.co.uk)
5 Jun 2008 – The Brewhouse, Taunton (www.thebrewhouse.net)
6 Jun 2008 – Derby Assembly Rooms, Derbyshire (www.assemblyrooms-derby.co.uk)
11 Jun 2008 – Jazz Cafe, London (www.meanfiddler.com/displayPage_jazz.asp?PageID=387)
12 Jun 2008 – Huntingdon Hall, Worcester (www.huntingdonhall.com)
13 Jun 2008 – Royal Pavilion, Llangollen, Wales (www.royal-pavilion.co.uk)
14 Jun 2008 – Lift Global Club, Glossop (www.liftglobal.com)
19 Jun 2008 Norwich Arts Centre, East Anglia (www.norwichartscentre.co.uk)
20 Jun 2008 – Asthall Manor, Big Village Production, Oxfordshire (www.bigvillage.org)
21 June 2008 – Peel Centenary Centre, Isle Of Man (www.centenarycentre.com/whatson)
Notes to Editor:
Originally the Seckou Keita Quartet, the group are now called the Seckou Keita SKQ since the arrival of Binta Suso to the band making them a quintet!
The Seckou Keita SKQ UK Tour is kindly supported by the PRS Foundation for new music.
The Seckou Keita SKQ helps to stay green with www.co2balance.uk.com.
The Seckou Keita SKQ consists of-
Seckou Keita
(composition/kora/voice)
Seckou Keita was born in Ziguinchor, Senegal on 14 February 1978 in a griot family (hereditary musicians). It was under the guidance of his uncle Solo Cissokho that Keita launched his international career in 1996, with appearances at Norway’s Forde Festival in a successful collaboration with Cuban, Indian and Scandinavian musicians.
In the years that followed, Keita relocated to the UK, while touring regularly in Spain, France, Portugal, Greece and Czech Republic as well as playing at such prestigious festivals as Womad and Glastonbury, both as a solo musician, and in collaboration with acclaimed figures like Indian violinist Dr L Subrimaniam.
He became a member of the popular world music group Baka Beyond in 1998, contributing to their well-received East To West album, and in 2000 began to record his own solo debut Baiyo (retitled Mali for a later release through Arc Music), which encompassed his musical journey to that date, from Africa to Europe, via India.
With support slots to luminaries like Salif Keita and Youssou N’Dour, solo slots at London’s Jazz Café and at Ireland’s Sacred Music Festival, and a nomination in 2001 for BBC Radio 3’s prestigious World Music Award, it’s clear that Keita’s many collaborations have fed and extended rather than diluted the African mainspring of his music.
This is why Keita’s current project, the Seckou Keita SKQ seems so exciting, drawing together a group of musicians from disparate origins, who nonetheless superbly complement one another. The richly layered songs on Seckou Keita SKQ’s pasr Tama-Silo album range from the haunting African Soul of ‘Tounga’ to upbeat floor-fillers like ‘Sina Mory’ and ‘N’fa Quartet’. With over 100 live performances, their sound becomes incredibly tight and original.
A brilliant performer, Seckou also likes to share with people. His education work is less known to the public but is real. He regularly runs drumming and kora workshops in schools, arts centres, festivals working with organisations such as Music For change, Creative Partnerships and Womad.
Finally, he is also a regular guest leader for Sewabeat company who offers alternative training package for Commercial Corporations.
Binta Suso
Voice
Born in the Gambia in a griot family (hereditary musicians), Binta started singing at an early age. She toured the UK in 2003 and 2004 as part of Jalikunda Cissokho’s. Then she went on an international exchange programme to study at the Sund Folk in Norway.
She sang “Tounga” on Seckou Keita SKQ’s album. Her voice, which gives new rich colours to the band, attracted praises from press and media.
In early 2006 she returned to her native country and started working with various Gambian artists from traditional to hip hop style. She joined Seckou Keita SKQ in their 2006/07 Senegalese and Gambian’s tour.
Davide Mantovani
Double Bass/Electric bass
Born in Ferrara, Italy, Davide took up the bass in 1982, after early training on piano and guitar, and in 1991 relocated to London. He has since built a formidable reputation as both performer and composer. His own jazz quintet’s Square One album was issued in 2001, and an experimental collaboration with violinist Roberto Manes led to the release of Polaris in 2004. He has also been in demand as a composer of soundtracks and incidental music, with Drawing Horizons receiving a commercial release in 2002, and commissions from artists of the stature of Shobana Jeyasingh and George Eugene to his credit. He travelled to Senegal with Seckou Keita to study Mbalah rhythms in 2002, and his double bass has been a key component of the Quintet from the start.
Samy Bishai
Violin
Samy grew up in Alexandria, Egypt, and received a classical training on the violin. He began to play professionally at 18, working with Alexandria Chamber Orchestra while maintaining a lively interest in Arabic pop and jazz. In 2000 he moved to London, and has since forged a career as a live session player in fields as diverse as jazz, pop, electronica and hip-hop. He has recorded string arrangements for releases by artists like Terry Hall, Mushtaq, Lemar and Tyler James, and has also scored a short film, The Bridge. He joined the Seckou Keita SKQ in 2005, stepping into the shoes of Riti player Juldeh Camara, whose inspiration on his own distinctive sound within the group he is quick to acknowledge.
Surahata Susso
Percussions
Sura is a young percussionist and kora player from The Gambia, a member of the well-known Susso griot family. He has been a member of Gambia’s acclaimed Kaira Youth Band for many years, and more recently branched out with his own Fisco Band. More recently, he has started working with askewandavis, a band that combines looping and vocal experimentation.
He was invited to join the Acoustic Vibes tour in 2004, and currently divides his time between The Seckou Keita SKQ’s work, to whose sound he brings a highly distinctive blend of African and Cuban percussion styles, and his own musical projects in The Gambia.

“Seckou Keita is a brilliant live performer with stacks of charisma, and one of the few champions of the less-known and rhythmically rocking kora repertoire from Casamance in southern Senegal where he is from”. – Lucy Duran – Radio BBC3

“They [the band] may all be from different places and traditions, but our instruments all speak the same language” – Seckou Keita

The Inimitable Seckou Keita SKQ Return With Eagerly Anticipated New Album & Exciting UK Tour!

‘The Silimbo Passage’ will be released on 2^nd June 2008

With a massively successful touring history and critically acclaimed album under their belt, the Seckou Keita SKQ are proud to announce the release of their new studio album ‘The Silimbo Passage’, alongside an eagerly anticipated extensive UK tour, kicking off in May. The tour showcases part of the ongoing evolution of their unique sound that derives from the group’s heart – Seckou Keita himself.

The Seckou Keita SKQ are one of the fastest growing, independent bands du jour, captivating audiences from Montreal to Manchester, Sweden to Senegal. Their forthcoming album is already garnering international attention as the band has received an ‘Honourable Mention’ in the Instrumental category after being nominated as one of 15 finalists worldwide at the International Songwriting Competition. The Seckou Keita SKQ possess a unique ability to touch every one who experiences their sound, making it easy to see how they are amassing fans worldwide with their captivating, contemporary music.

Hailing from Senegal, Italy, Egypt and The Gambia, this multi-national band are an exciting fusion of culture and experience. Counting Richard Bona, Bela Fleck and Bobby McFerrin amongst his influences, Seckou Keita leads the quartet with his experimental tunings and virtuoso kora playing (a West African stringed instrument likened to the harp or the lute).

His charismatic personality is portrayed through his unique improvisational playing, supported by the double bass/electric bass of Davide Mantovani, the eclectic percussions of Surahata Susso, the distinguished sound of the violin by Samy Bishai and enchanting voice of the gracious Binta Susso – the newest addition to the band, turning the quartet into a quintet!

Distinguishing Seckou Keita from other world musicians, is his very own inimitable tunings, making him one of the most innovative and creative known kora players in the world today. These new tunings are showcased on SKQ’s latest album ‘The Silimbo Passage’, which creates a fresh sound and shifts SKQ into a music category all of their own.

Championing ‘eco-friendliness’ through CO₂ Balance UK, SKQ are minimising their carbon emissions and offsetting their unavoidable CO₂ residue by produced all their material on recycled paper or paper from sustained forests. By offsetting emissions the band have been able to donate money towards East Africa Energy Efficiency and contribute to tree planting in the UK.

With continuing funding from Arts Council England, the band have added a number of key dates to their tour, including a eagerly anticipated support slot to the Grammy-award winning Miriam Makeba, favourably known as ‘Mama Africa’ at the Brighton Festival which celebrates her 75^th birthday! Other exciting dates include the Guardian Hay Festival, and London’s revered Jazz Cafe, as well as planned gigs in Italy and Japan later this year.

www.seckoukeita.com

For more information please contact Sara Boughton or Jem Bahaijoub
Zest PR
Tel.0044 (0)20 7734 0206
sara@zestpr.com/ Jem@zestpr.com

Live Dates:
19 May 2008 – Album and Tour Launch at Momo, London
21 May 2008 – Brighton Festival, Support of Miriam Makeba (www.brightonfestival.org)
22 May 2008 – Brighton Festival, Lunch Concert (www.brightonfestival.org)
23 May 2008 – Acorn Theatre, Penzance (www.acornartscentre.co.uk)
27 May 2008 – Guardian Hay Festival (www.hayfestival.com)
28 May 2008 – Queens Hall, Edinburgh (www.thequeenshall.net)
29 May 2008 – Tolbooth, Stirling (www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth)
3 Jun 2008 – Invention Arts Centre, Bath (www.invention.tv)
4 Jun 2008 – B-Bar, Barbican Centre, Plymouth (www.b-bar.co.uk)
5 Jun 2008 – The Brewhouse, Taunton (www.thebrewhouse.net)
6 Jun 2008 – Derby Assembly Rooms, Derbyshire (www.assemblyrooms-derby.co.uk)
11 Jun 2008 – Jazz Cafe, London (www.meanfiddler.com/displayPage_jazz.asp?PageID=387)
12 Jun 2008 – Huntingdon Hall, Worcester (www.huntingdonhall.com)
13 Jun 2008 – Royal Pavilion, Llangollen, Wales (www.royal-pavilion.co.uk)
14 Jun 2008 – Lift Global Club, Glossop (www.liftglobal.com)
19 Jun 2008 Norwich Arts Centre, East Anglia (www.norwichartscentre.co.uk)
20 Jun 2008 – Asthall Manor, Big Village Production, Oxfordshire (www.bigvillage.org)
21 June 2008 – Peel Centenary Centre, Isle Of Man (www.centenarycentre.com/whatson)

Notes to Editor:

Originally the Seckou Keita Quartet, the group are now called the Seckou Keita SKQ since the arrival of Binta Suso to the band making them a quintet! The Seckou Keita SKQ helps to stay green with www.co2balance.uk.com.

The Seckou Keita SKQ consists of-
Seckou Keita
(composition/kora/voice)
Seckou Keita was born in Ziguinchor, Senegal on 14 February 1978 in a griot family (hereditary musicians). It was under the guidance of his uncle Solo Cissokho that Keita launched his international career in 1996, with appearances at Norway’s Forde Festival in a successful collaboration with Cuban, Indian and Scandinavian musicians.

In the years that followed, Keita relocated to the UK, while touring regularly in Spain, France, Portugal, Greece and Czech Republic as well as playing at such prestigious festivals as Womad and Glastonbury, both as a solo musician, and in collaboration with acclaimed figures like Indian violinist Dr L Subrimaniam.

He became a member of the popular world music group Baka Beyond in 1998, contributing to their well-received East To West album, and in 2000 began to record his own solo debut Baiyo (retitled Mali for a later release through Arc Music), which encompassed his musical journey to that date, from Africa to Europe, via India.

With support slots to luminaries like Salif Keita and Youssou N’Dour, solo slots at London’s Jazz Café and at Ireland’s Sacred Music Festival, and a nomination in 2001 for BBC Radio 3’s prestigious World Music Award, it’s clear that Keita’s many collaborations have fed and extended rather than diluted the African mainspring of his music.

This is why Keita’s current project, the Seckou Keita SKQ seems so exciting, drawing together a group of musicians from disparate origins, who nonetheless superbly complement one another. The richly layered songs on Seckou Keita SKQ’s pasr Tama-Silo album range from the haunting African Soul of ‘Tounga’ to upbeat floor-fillers like ‘Sina Mory’ and ‘N’fa Quartet’. With over 100 live performances, their sound becomes incredibly tight and original.

A brilliant performer, Seckou also likes to share with people. His education work is less known to the public but is real. He regularly runs drumming and kora workshops in schools, arts centres, festivals working with organisations such as Music For change, Creative Partnerships and Womad.

Finally, he is also a regular guest leader for Sewabeat company who offers alternative training package for Commercial Corporations.

Binta Suso
Voice
Born in the Gambia in a griot family (hereditary musicians), Binta started singing at an early age. She toured the UK in 2003 and 2004 as part of Jalikunda Cissokho’s. Then she went on an international exchange programme to study at the Sund Folk in Norway.

She sang “Tounga” on Seckou Keita SKQ’s album. Her voice, which gives new rich colours to the band, attracted praises from press and media.

In early 2006 she returned to her native country and started working with various Gambian artists from traditional to hip hop style. She joined Seckou Keita SKQ in their 2006/07 Senegalese and Gambian’s tour.

Davide Mantovani
Double Bass/Electric bass
Born in Ferrara, Italy, Davide took up the bass in 1982, after early training on piano and guitar, and in 1991 relocated to London. He has since built a formidable reputation as both performer and composer. His own jazz quintet’s Square One album was issued in 2001, and an experimental collaboration with violinist Roberto Manes led to the release of Polaris in 2004. He has also been in demand as a composer of soundtracks and incidental music, with Drawing Horizons receiving a commercial release in 2002, and commissions from artists of the stature of Shobana Jeyasingh and George Eugene to his credit. He travelled to Senegal with Seckou Keita to study Mbalah rhythms in 2002, and his double bass has been a key component of the Quintet from the start.

Samy Bishai
Violin
Samy grew up in Alexandria, Egypt, and received a classical training on the violin. He began to play professionally at 18, working with Alexandria Chamber Orchestra while maintaining a lively interest in Arabic pop and jazz. In 2000 he moved to London, and has since forged a career as a live session player in fields as diverse as jazz, pop, electronica and hip-hop. He has recorded string arrangements for releases by artists like Terry Hall, Mushtaq, Lemar and Tyler James, and has also scored a short film, The Bridge. He joined the Seckou Keita SKQ in 2005, stepping into the shoes of Riti player Juldeh Camara, whose inspiration on his own distinctive sound within the group he is quick to acknowledge.

Surahata Susso
Percussions
Sura is a young percussionist and kora player from The Gambia, a member of the well-known Susso griot family. He has been a member of Gambia’s acclaimed Kaira Youth Band for many years, and more recently branched out with his own Fisco Band. More recently, he has started working with askewandavis, a band that combines looping and vocal experimentation.

He was invited to join the Acoustic Vibes tour in 2004, and currently divides his time between The Seckou Keita SKQ’s work, to whose sound he brings a highly distinctive blend of African and Cuban percussion styles, and his own musical projects in The Gambia.