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as usual, it's been a while...thank you for visiting, please stay in touch, lots has been happening..!
Kundalini Boombox has expanded to a 5 piece band lately and has been playing to enthusiastic audiences here in the San Francisco area..we have a new website, come visit us!
we also have a new space at myspace music, where you can hear our latest recordings.. visit us there too!
i just found out that my composition "Global Warning/OAQA" (from my album "Freehouse") hit number ten in the "world" category at American Idol Underground this week...! Seems an appropriate title at this point, wouldn't you say? And no one ever asks me what "OAQA" means, but i'm sure you're just dying to know, so i'll tell you....for one thing, it's warped way to say my last name. But it means Only Answer Quick Action. It seems most of the "action" these days is exactly the opposite of what is needed. In fact, everything is pretty much upside down. But it is time to act. It is time to create. Creation is the antidote to destruction. Create as much positive action as you can! Every day!
You can hear Global Warning/OAQA at my myspace music page. Come visit me there, and be my friend..!
coming soon...the CD from "Evoke"
and the CD from my acoustic quartet "4NOW"
and the long delayed release of my CD from 2003, Supernatural World
after a long and perplexing look at the music business in general (which is also completely upside down), it appears that for the time being the best way to release music is just to do it yourself!
there is a lengthy interview with me online at Mizar5, which is a great European website that shwocases a wealth of talent, and is put together by Gina Vodegel,a wonderful writer and supporter of good music.
you can read the interview with me here.
I have been meeting more online music journalists and websites, so stay tuned for more! Thanks for stopping by, and
PEACE!
be peace, live as peace, radiate peace in all your relations...
____________________________________________________________________
Kundalini Boombox in action:
i have a new trio, with my friends Celso Alberti, the dynamic world music drummer, and Robert Powell, guitarist and pedal steel innovator. we are starting to do performances at trance dance events in venues oriented towards consciousness expansion. We use laptop electronics and we play! Stay tuned for the latest gigs, and i will soon have some mp3's available here for you to check out.
I think it's safe to say you have never heard anything quite like "kundalini boombox".
funky and spacious, feet on the ground, head in the clouds.
Hope to see you at one of our shows!
check out Celso and
Robert at their websites:
celso alberti: drums, percussion, laptop electronics
www.celsoalberti.com
robert powell: guitars,
pedal steel
www.robertpowellmusic.com
if you are interested in having us play at an event for spirit dancing,
and,
a work in progress at Freehouse: i am producing an album with a duo called "Evoke"
Evoke is Sophia Mallie, and Alyx Benham
on vocals and cellos
these talented young women have voices and hearts of gold!
stay tuned for more on
EVOKE
you can read more about Sophia and Alyx at
I spent the month of February in Europe with Airto Moreira and Flora Purim playing in London at Ronnie Scott's, and in Milan at the Blue Note. Here are a few pictures from then..
Flora Purim, Gary Brown, Diana Booker, Airto, Pablo Silva (down in front), Krishna Booker, Fabio Soares, Kit
these photos are from a concert at a percussion festival at Nelson Ledges in Ohio in September 2003 with Airto and Flora Purim. There were other master percussionists there, including Giovanni Hidalgo, who is the most amazing conga player i have ever heard. As Gary Brown said, when Giovanni starts playing, everyone else might as well just stop playing. It is an honor to play with all of these master musicians!
Kit ,Giovanni Hidalgo, Flora Purim, Gary Brown, Airto Moreira at concert in Nelson Ledges Ohio, September 2003
Meia Noite, Kit, Gibi
my setup onstage with Airto
Sept 2002
thank you for your patience, more coming soon..........
including news of my winning a BMI Urban Music Award!
and the new Deva Premal album, "Embrace"
and new Kit Walker music in the works!
please stay tuned, thank you for visiting.....
blessings
the last 2 months have been devoted to working a lot in the studio, finishing the Whistler/Rodriguez project, "Forgotten Voices", and putting the finishing touches on "Sky Treasure" the album with Tibetan freedom singer Techung, which is to be released later this month, finally! stay tuned for details......
check out the interview with me at jazzonline.com
(this is no longer up at jazzonline, i will have it here soon...)
If "Freehouse is where we live," may we live forever in Kit's House! This CD gets better the more I listen to it. Full of fresh cutting edge rhythmically jamming arrangements. Cut to cut it doesn't get any better than "Freehouse". Kit opens "Freehouse" with the melodically enchanting energy that pulsates on "Global Warning:Oaqa" and this of course is just the appetizer to a full course meal. An up front imaginative jazz extravaganza, originally provocative and immediately captivating project. There's nothing out there being played with this type of trailblazing forwardness! Kit goes from room to room of Freehouse with contagious energetic passion. Unmistakably my favorite-favorite is "Freehouse," on which Kit plays piano and synthesizers with effervescence. Definitely a "timeless and priceless," CD that left me wanting more of Kit's unparalleled sound, which is refreshing in a sea of jazz artists. Kit, you definitely built the house on this one! There are only three words to say, Encore Kit! Encore!
Reviewed by: Trisha Weatherspoon
or read it here:
"Keyboardist and composer Kit Walker brings together a perfect blend of world music and jazz on his latest release 'Freehouse'. From the sparking opening cut 'Global Warning Oaqa' to the ultra hip and pulsating 'tranceAtlantic' to the groove infected 'Big Hed (elephunk),' Kit Walker's 'Freehouse' is an ambitious and excellent display of what is missing in today's jazz climate: an artist willing to create quality and original melodic musical offerings in the contemporary jazz fusion style. In addition to Kit's impressive display on piano and keyboards the dynamic cast of musicians including Paul McCandless, Kai Eckhardt, Alan Hall, Gary Brown and others, all delivering stellar performances.'Freehouse' hints at previous fusion alums like Weather Report and Yellowjackets but clearly has a sound and flair all its own. Kudos to Kit Walker. "
now the "freehouse" CD is also available at
including Real Audio clips!
ten lucky people won a free house last month at jazzreview.com
and a new review is posted at jazzwest.com
here it is:
"Kit Walker, "Freehouse" (Habitat for Unusual Music) There are so many elements at work in this engaging new release by keyboardist/composer Kit Walker -- the drive and electronic feel of Weather Report, the sensitivity of Bill Evans, plus elements of European 3rd stream music -- that it's sometimes hard to hear the real Kit. What emerges after a few listenings is, in fact, a cohesive group effort, with great hooks and deep grooves. Kit adds layers of synth programming and Hammond B3 licks to give the CD a big sound. Together with supporting players bass wizard Kai Eckhardt, Oregon alum Paul McCandless, horn man Chuck MacKinnon, plus Deszon Claiborne keeping time, "Free House" delivers a tremendously well-produced effort. This is a band to see live. (MH)"
(of course, they didn't mention the kick ass groove of Alan Hertz, the elegant drumming of Alan Hall, and the deep slink bass of Gary Brown, as well as the magical Bahian pulse of Marquinho Brasil on percussion, but hey, that's why we have our own websites!)
the new band with Kai Eckhardt, Fareed Haque, and Alan Hertz is off to a great start. after three successful gigs, a recording session, and a great buzz generated in one whirlwind week, we are playing again june 3 in San Rafael, CA at the 4th St. Tavern for a special event, and then in July we already have 3 dates booked, 2 in San Francisco, and one in Sonoma county. Stay tuned to my concerts page for further info! We almost have a name, stay tuned for that too!
to see photos from our Fairfax gig and hear a soundclip, check out Guy Meyer's Lifesigns Photo website
to see the page devoted to our band click here
well, actually a freehouse.
During May, you can go to jazzreview.com and register to win one of ten copies of "freehouse"
to enter, click here
to read the review, click here (it's near the bottom)
or, it's also printed below, on this page
May hasn't really even begun yet, but so far things have been quite interesting. At the end of April I played three gigs with Fareed Haque, Kai Eckhardt, and Alan Hertz, which received an overwhelmingly positive response, and a rave review at the popular music site, jambase.com
here is the review:
4/27/00 VISIONARY JAZZ-FUSIONISTS GRACE SAN FRANCISCO Have you ever expected a little groove and been totally blown away? Maybe your friends tell you that a band is something worth checking out, perhaps you've heard of some of the players, maybe you've seen one or two at some point. Now recall that feeling during the show when you realize that this is much more than a random band in a random bar; musical wizards that are the catalyst for an experience, an experiment that gets better as the jams unfold and the grooves build up steam. Manifesting the moments that create those memories - these are moments we drive and strive for, the true joys of life. Last night at the Connecticut Yankee in San Francisco, a jazz fusion supergroup consisting of Fareed Haque, Kai Eckhardt de Camargo, Alan Hertz, and Kit Walker got together and strung together many of these moments of musical exploration. And they'll be back again tonight, same time, same place, creating their practically incomprehensible jazz fusion on the fly. If you're anywhere remotely near the Bay Area, you need to be there. Fareed Haque has been a professor of classical and jazz guitar at Northern Illinois University in De Kalb, IL. He is well known for his work on the Blue Note cover album, Deja Vu (CSN&Y). A beautiful cover of "Helpless" was played last night, with Fareed using the slide to resonate his beautiful tone during the lyrical portion. The endless crescendos of the improvised section, building waves of emotion, taking breath away from unassuming spectators. The way that Fareed turns staccato rhythms into his magical solos, he takes off and soars instantly, always landing exquisitely. Kai Eckhardt De Camargo, who was the bassist on the amazing John McLaughlin Trio "Live From the Royal Festival Hall" album from 1989, put on a bass clinic for the 40 or so people in the crowd last night. Soft-spoken six string mastery, Kai is a man totally in control of his instrument! Able to walk through funky basslines, lay down slapgrooves, and fade into the background like it is second nature, Kai had me transfixed on his basswork for hours. Kit Walker has worked with people ranging from Zakir Hussain to Puff Daddy to Paul McCandless, working his two slithering sonic synthesizers smoothly within the integrated stringed framework that Haque and Eckhardt lay down. Alan Hertz, best known for his work with Steve Kimock and Bobby Vega in KVHW was at ease behind the skins. Following the silent but confident leads of Haque, Hertz masterfully changed up tempo without skipping a beat. He was as comfortable with rolling grooves as he was switching to straight jazz on "Mr. PC" to close the show. I hope this band is not just a short-lived supergroup, I would love to see them show the world more of these moments.
Sickness Factor: SickestEver!
This is not to be missed. Go See Live Music! - tk
the response was so positive that we have decided to continue the project, and are now searching for a name. You can go to jambase.com and submit a suggestion on the page they set up specifically for that purpose. it is at:
http://www.jambase.com/namethatband/
all the shows were taped by the 'tapers", who are a dedicated bunch of music fans who document live music, and there is also an mp3 segment from one of the shows on the "name that band" page. I was very touched and honored by the attention and enthusiasm that all the folks who came out to hear us showed. It really restored my faith in live music. you all are providing a very important service, keeping music alive. With all the digital technology out there, real players are an endangered species. So thank you one and all who came to support the shows!
we also spent four days in the studio working on a recording. sign my email list, and i will keep you informed!
Before that, in a completely different universe, I played a couple of shows with Deva Premal and Miten while they were here in the San Francisco area. Both shows were packed, as more and more people are tuning in to Premal's enchanting voice. Premal's new album," Love is Space" is doing very well, and they are continuing their current tour, which is taking them all over the world for the next few months.
The early part of this year I've been still mostly involved in studio work in the Freehouse studio. Current projects include continuing work on the Whistler/Rodriguez project "Forgotten Voices", and a new kirtan album with Diana Rogers and Geoffrey Gordon. Diana is a devotional singer in the Ram Dass/Neem Karoli Baba lineage, (like Krishna Das, and Jai Uttal) who has her own "bhav" happening that is quite enchanting.
I've also done a few gigs with my favorite players, Kai Eckhardt (bass) and Alan Hertz (drums), both of whom are featured on the "Freehouse" album. we've been delving into some pretty spontaneous improvisational grooves, ( basically the entire evening's music made up on the spot ) which has proved to be totally enjoyable both to us, and to the audiences. Watch for three shows toward the end of April where we will be joined by the guitar virtuoso from Chicago, Fareed Haque. Fareed is an improvising monster who has played with Zawinul and Sting, among others.
Reviews are starting to come in for "Freehouse"!
the first is a 5 star review from jazzreview.com:
"Kit Walker's latest CD release, "Freehouse," is a lively, imaginative blend of contemporary jazz and world music. A great talent on keyboards, Kit Walker is also a very imaginative composer, too! He has performed with many groups, and his music reflects world music influences. He started as a classical pianist at age seven, but after high school, his interests went forward in new and unexplored directions of creativity, and he taught himself to play blues piano. Before moving west to the San Francisco, California area in 1982, he made trips to India. Walker founded the new HUM recording label, which stands for Habitat For Unusual Music. Guest musicians appearing with Walker on "Freehouse" include Paul McCandless, Kai Eckhardt, Gary Brown, Alan Hertz, Alan Hall, Deszon X. Claiborne, Marquinho Brasil, Chuck MacKinnon, Moses Sedler, Ella Zarum, Walt Kerik. A gathering of like minds coming together to perform some of the most unusual jazz music to appear in a while! Some of the many excellent selections include "Freehouse," "Hot & Bothered," "Manhattan," and the wonderful 12:02 minute work titled "the tears of trees/the wild wood." This selection, "the tears of trees/the wild wood" is one of the most refreshingly original & creative new jazz works I have heard this year, and it should catch and hold the attention of jazz listeners everywhere! Kit Walker's "Freehouse" is full of good surprises via way of fresh, imaginative melodies and excellent performances by all concerned! For listening pleasure, give the 9:01 minute work, "Catalina" a few listens! "Freehouse" should find a ready home with jazz listeners! Kit Walker has a great sound on "Freehouse."
Excellent! Rating: Five Stars ............. Reviewed by: Lee Prosser
you can also see this review at
my vision for HUM, the Habitat for Unusual Music, continues to expand and clarify, and I'm happy to announce the addition of a new CD, Richard Peikoff's "Monsoon Season" to the roster. Richard is a very talented acoustic guitarist, whose album is a joy to listen to. It is now for sale here at kitwalker.com. For more info check out the HUM page
1999 was a busy year. I spent a considerable amount of time in my studio working on the "Freehouse" album. In the early part of the year I composed and recorded the soundtracks for three PBS episodes on the "Religions of the World', as well as working on the production of several album projects with friends, including the Sky Treasure project, with the Tibetan freedom singer Techung, and also an album with my friends Brian Whistler and Pablo Rodriguez, which will be finished in later 2000.
In July I spent the month in San Diego working on the newest Walela album, "Unbearable Love". Walela is a Native American singing group that features Rita Coolidge, her sister Priscilla Coolidge, and Priscilla's daughter, Laura Satterfield. Watch for this album in February on Triloka Records.
In October I spent the month recording and co-producing the new album by Deva Premal, called "Love is Space", which will be released on her own label also in February.
The rest of the year was devoted to mixing "Freehouse", and gigs with Jai Uttal, and a Christmas flu that knocked me flat for three weeks.
