Kaliband cooks up a sizzling musical pepper pot of rock, reggae, world beat, funk, and soul. This energizing, California-based fusion from the Caribbean, Africa, the USA and Britain follows naturally since their influences are as varied as The Equals, The English Beat, Bob Marley & The Wailers, James Brown, Fela Kuti, and The Mighty Sparrow, among others.
Born and raised in Guyana (formerly British Guiana) before moving to the USA, bandleader and songwriter Son of an Oracle (Son or SOAO [so-ow] for short) takes his name in homage to his father, leader of one of Guyana's most famous vocal groups, The Oracles. The name Kaliband (Caliband in its previous incarnation) is also a fusion: Kali, a female avatar of Shiva, Lord of the dance, the rhythmic life cycle of creation and destruction; Caliban, the Afro-Caribbean slave from Shakespeare's The Tempest; California, where the band formed (members are products of CalArts's prestigious music program).
Kaliband's current demo, "If You Really Want To," suggests Guyana remains at the core of SOAO's consciousness. "Ireng (he rang)," for instance, is a direct reference to Ireng, a border point between Guyana and Brazil; pork knockers are among the many who cross the Ireng river in both directions seeking, winning, and losing their "fortunes" (gold or otherwise) like love. Next, "If You Really Want To" represents the sort of sexual, social, and political innuendo integral to Guyanese culture. Uplifting and upbeat, even through the socially conscious "Fed Up," If You Really Want To is an invitation to a provocative, feel-good time.
According to TAXI, "If You Really Want To" is "A real pleasurable listen, for sure! There's a real sense of celebration and the recording renders the impression of a strong live band." They add: "very upbeat, with melody that has a lot of fluid motion, a lot of rhythmic and melodic variation, and very inviting vocal performance."
"Real crossover potential . . . fresh and compelling" -- Music Connection
Both sources are spot on! With kinetic energy and musical flow that stem from sturdy musicianship and showmanship, Kaliband is Son of an Oracle (lead vocal/rhythm guitar), Milen (keys), Mark London Sims (bass), John Ballinger (lead guitar), and Jorge Villanueva (drums).
www.kaliband.com
Booking & Management:
Active Yogurt Culture
kaliband@kaliband.com
activeyogurtculture@kaliband.com
213.361.5384
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