MIKANIC: The Subway Tracks

Mikanic

The Subway Tracks

© 2005 Mikanic (634479192272)

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Released in 2005, "The Subway Tracks" is Mikanic's first recording in the states. It takes their South African energy in a vast array of different directions, fueled by the creative pulse of New York City. This album is a timeless musical artwork.

notes

“…a swirling combination of mellow and playful…” - New Times


"...a soulful simplicity that is addictive" - Mail & Guardian


"Africa with a new dress" - One World online CD store

Two South Africans - Michael Rennie (violin & vocals) and Nick Turner (acoustic guitar & vocals) - form the core of this band. Both musicians have risen to the top of the South African scene playing for a variety of different bands and artists over the last eight years. Forming part of Sons of Trout, one of the country's top selling bands and best live acts, they have headlined every major music festival South Africa has to offer and toured extensively releasing four albums and opening for such international acts as Hootie and the Blowfish and Johnny Clegg. In 2002 the two formed mikanic and in 2003 released "Swimming with the Women" to great critical acclaim and popular success. In June 2005, they released their powerful exploration of New York living, “the subway tracks”.

Mikanic's music is as rich and diverse as it is original. Traditional African sounds and melodies are blended with groove, jazz, hip-hop and R&B. Lyrically powerful, relevant and humorous, this is hip international music at its best.

Based now in New York City, Mike and Nick have found a new voice and completely original sound with mikanic: The rest of the band features the infectious groove of Indian bass player Shirzad Khusrokhan, the inventive genius of Japanese jazz guitarist Yasuhito Sasaki and the mesmerizing vocal originality of Tomo Ito. Mikanic has been joined at their Madiba Cafe residency by the great South African musicians Tony Cedras and Vusi Mahlasela and has played many of the legendary NYC venues including CBGB's, The Knitting Factory and Cornelia St. Cafe. They have also performed at such prestigious establishments as the UN, Columbia University and specially selected to perform (2004 and 2005) at a 9/11 memorial service held at Ground Zero.

Soon after their return from a tour in the UK, South Africa and Toronto, mikanic performed as a special guest for the Bobby McFerrin vocal workshop in upstate New York. In July 2005 mikanic toured Japan with great success. Among other gigs, the band played sold-out concerts at Sweet Basil and Mandala in Tokyo as well as the Olive Hall in Takamatsu, collaborating with some of Japan's biggest stars Yoichi Kitayama, Yo Hitoto and SWJO. Their exposure spread nationally through live radio and TV appearances.

To contact mikanic you can reach Stephanie Washburn at bookings@mikanic.com or 718-812-1452.

reviews

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  • It rocks....
    author: kim

    It rocks....with the como of african heart beats and the NYC city pulse mikanic has a rockin fresh sound...mother city is my favorite track

  • fantastic and rich and in such good taste
    author: Josh Bryer

    Everything about the album is fantastic and rich and in such good taste, from the illustration on the cover to the photo on the back and all the design, to the intricate soothing harmonies and melodies and sways and jives and jazzy jillickings that flow it to its natural conclusion: an ocean of calm... All in all, guys, it really is a work of art and it kept me enthralled and bopping all the way. I also can't remember the last time I heard an entire album without a songclone - they're all so different and yet all so distincly one mutherfuckerly talented band. ----- Josh Byer, Sydney, Oz

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