The music we play is highly influenced by the traditional mbira music of Zimbabwe. Essentially, this music is cyclic...the beginning and the end become the same. This adds to the "trancy" nature of the experience as this is what is traditionally sought after in ceremonies.....to invite possession and trance in certain members of the community. These people can then communicate with ancestor spirits and offer insights into problems that people may be facing. That is the space that this music comes from. Mbira and marimba music is best listened to with a different kind of ear. It is not for those with short attention spans. A piece must "brew" for a few minutes before settling. What is considered long by Western standards is short to an mbira player. One can even see it as a kind of meditation, letting time fade away and letting the groove take over.
In that spirit, here are some tracks we recorded at Curtis' house in the Fall of 2010. Enjoy!!
Taireva (traditional/arr. Mubaiwa).....This is an old piece from the deep repertoire of traditional tunes for the mbira dza va dzimu. The direct meaning of the song is "We told you so" and highlights the need to respect the advice one is given.
Mabvuku Tafara (Mubaiwa)....An original composition of Kurai's which details the meeting of a beautiful and intelligent lady at a market while playing mbira. A love story of sorts.
Mugwara(traditional/arr.Mubaiwa)....A song about a hunter and his white hunting dog, who gets lost. We have arranged it for two marimbas (tenor and baritone).
Chipindura (traditional/arr.Mubaiwa)....Another piece from the traditional repertoire of mbira dza vadzimu music.
Hutandara (traditional)....This is a traditional drumming song. Zimbabwe's drumming traditions sometimes get overshadowed by the popularity of the mbira. But they have deep, deep rhythms going on.
