From time to time, there comes a need to bring fans up to speed with all
the goings on with a band. Hence the "Catching Up With...." series
here at Root Down In The Shadow
Lots of big things are happening for Kwesi K. First and foremost, a new Pronouns EP is weeks away from release. Funded last fall in 37 days of crowd sourcing via a Kickstarter project, Pronouns EP has been a constant part of Kwesi's life since it was conceived. There were many occasions, where he came straight from the studio to a gig, such as the June Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia show. If Kwesi thinks life might slow down a little now that the album is done, he's dead wrong.
After getting a sneak peak on the single 'Fold', it is clear Kwesi K will be a busy man. Affectionately referred to as "Graceland's cousin", 'Fold' is a vibrant tune that brings his talents emphatically to the forefront. So many melodious sounds encompass 'Fold' working perfectly with Kwesi's naturally comforting voice. There's trumpet, a rain maker, the supple female voices of folksters Birdie Busch and Brittany Ann, soft choir like backing vocals, pounding drums and bass lines, and the fast Graceland style finger picking on guitar. I've listened to it already over a dozen times catching more and more layers to the song!
PRONOUNS EP
At a recent sit down, Root Down In The Shadow caught up with Kwesi K on the details about his upcoming album. Pronouns EP has been a delight for Kwesi. Representational of his musical upbringing, harkening back to days when his brother worked at a record store and brought home all sorts of music. "It was never the same thing each time he brought music home." Likewise, producer Charlie Patierno, at Turtle Studio has helped make the same atmosphere with the record making. Instead of a Outkast, Matchbox 20, Bone Thugz, or Dave Matthews Band, that helped shape his musical influences, Kwesi explained it was a little Ross Bellenoit "giving precision to the guitar parts", some Elliot Garland "putting a little funk-stank on the album, playing bass", or a little "old trumpet soul" from Leon Jordan Jr. While Kwesi is the "spine of the record with his lyrics and his voice", it is definitely a groovier tale with Philadelphia-based musicians including Jaron Olevsky (keys) who travels with Amos Lee, Charlie Patierno (drums) who is doubling as producer and drummer, Birdie Busch, Brittany Ann, Ginger Coyle and Dan Paul (piano). Just liked Kwesi's brother shaped his musical upbringing, "Charlie has had a huge influence on my current sound and I don't think I could've made any of these songs without him or the great engineers at Turtle Studios."
'Fold', the single will be released October 8th and coming this fall the new Pronouns EP comes out November 5th! Turtle Studios, where the album was recorded, has turned out some incredible albums recently such as Aaron & The Spell Sing recording in the same live room, where past greats such as Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, and Teddy Pendergrass had recorded before!
This spring, Kwesi K did an incredible one-take-session with HotBox Studios! I'm absolutely amazed this was done in one take, but not surprised based on seeing him live a few times already this year. And yes, that's a Snoop Lion cover (yeah Snoop Dogg "reincarnated")!
The fellas at HotBox Studios really capture the sounds so well. Meanwhile Kwesi did a great job with it, owning the song, rather than trying to sounds like Snoop!
Shows, Shows, and More Shows!
This summer, Kwesi and friends played shows of all sizes and places. You really capture his sincere charm with the intimate gigs, such as North Star Bar's Victorian Room, Burlap & Bean, or Sofar Sounds:Philadephia(see below), but Kwesi K can also hold his own with the larger crowds such as Bethlehem PA's Musikfest, Arden Fair or opening for Roseanne Cash at the Sellersville Theater!
Perhaps most impressive of the gigs this summer, was his Burlap & Bean show which sold out even on the same weekend as Philly's XPoNential Fest! That show showcased talented locals like John Colman (upright bass) Valerie Vuolo (fiddle), and Greg Reinbold (keys)!
Kwesi has a slew of shows coming up this Fall, and will be posting them this coming weekend! Stay tuned!
'Fold' Single
Lots of big things are happening for Kwesi K. First and foremost, a new Pronouns EP is weeks away from release. Funded last fall in 37 days of crowd sourcing via a Kickstarter project, Pronouns EP has been a constant part of Kwesi's life since it was conceived. There were many occasions, where he came straight from the studio to a gig, such as the June Sofar Sounds: Philadelphia show. If Kwesi thinks life might slow down a little now that the album is done, he's dead wrong.
After getting a sneak peak on the single 'Fold', it is clear Kwesi K will be a busy man. Affectionately referred to as "Graceland's cousin", 'Fold' is a vibrant tune that brings his talents emphatically to the forefront. So many melodious sounds encompass 'Fold' working perfectly with Kwesi's naturally comforting voice. There's trumpet, a rain maker, the supple female voices of folksters Birdie Busch and Brittany Ann, soft choir like backing vocals, pounding drums and bass lines, and the fast Graceland style finger picking on guitar. I've listened to it already over a dozen times catching more and more layers to the song!
PRONOUNS EP
At a recent sit down, Root Down In The Shadow caught up with Kwesi K on the details about his upcoming album. Pronouns EP has been a delight for Kwesi. Representational of his musical upbringing, harkening back to days when his brother worked at a record store and brought home all sorts of music. "It was never the same thing each time he brought music home." Likewise, producer Charlie Patierno, at Turtle Studio has helped make the same atmosphere with the record making. Instead of a Outkast, Matchbox 20, Bone Thugz, or Dave Matthews Band, that helped shape his musical influences, Kwesi explained it was a little Ross Bellenoit "giving precision to the guitar parts", some Elliot Garland "putting a little funk-stank on the album, playing bass", or a little "old trumpet soul" from Leon Jordan Jr. While Kwesi is the "spine of the record with his lyrics and his voice", it is definitely a groovier tale with Philadelphia-based musicians including Jaron Olevsky (keys) who travels with Amos Lee, Charlie Patierno (drums) who is doubling as producer and drummer, Birdie Busch, Brittany Ann, Ginger Coyle and Dan Paul (piano). Just liked Kwesi's brother shaped his musical upbringing, "Charlie has had a huge influence on my current sound and I don't think I could've made any of these songs without him or the great engineers at Turtle Studios."
'Fold', the single will be released October 8th and coming this fall the new Pronouns EP comes out November 5th! Turtle Studios, where the album was recorded, has turned out some incredible albums recently such as Aaron & The Spell Sing recording in the same live room, where past greats such as Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, and Teddy Pendergrass had recorded before!
HOTBOX STUDIOS
This spring, Kwesi K did an incredible one-take-session with HotBox Studios! I'm absolutely amazed this was done in one take, but not surprised based on seeing him live a few times already this year. And yes, that's a Snoop Lion cover (yeah Snoop Dogg "reincarnated")!
The fellas at HotBox Studios really capture the sounds so well. Meanwhile Kwesi did a great job with it, owning the song, rather than trying to sounds like Snoop!
Shows, Shows, and More Shows!
 |
| Musikfest - photo by Lindsey Borgman |
Perhaps most impressive of the gigs this summer, was his Burlap & Bean show which sold out even on the same weekend as Philly's XPoNential Fest! That show showcased talented locals like John Colman (upright bass) Valerie Vuolo (fiddle), and Greg Reinbold (keys)!
Kwesi has a slew of shows coming up this Fall, and will be posting them this coming weekend! Stay tuned!
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