Album 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.