Rhythmtree is again widening its branches to bring its signature eclectic mix of afro/jazz/soul/reggae/balkan/blues/klezmer/cajun and folk music to Three Gates Farm this July.
Friday’s main stage will be headlined by the ‘lovechild of soul music’ Myles Sanko taking a break from his busy recording schedule to bring his new big band and songs from his latest album. He will be joined by the electric five piece jazz/funk/soul band The Outlanders spotted by the Rhythmtree scouts at last years Love Supreme Jazz Festival.
Saturday will feature the dynamic stage show of 10 piece Cuban band Warra bubbling from their highly acclaimed album launch at London’s famous Jazz Cafe. Adding to the Rhythmtree’s typical musical contrast will be brass juggernaut The Hackney Colliery Band, the best of British reggae from the Resonators and the infectious rhythms of Senegalese sabar-dance band Batch Gueye.
Sunday will bring together three top bands who are supreme examples of the cultural fusions heard in so much of the 'below the radar' world music found here in the UK and on which the Rhythmtree has built its reputation and unique character as a festival.
Lokkhi Terra are an Afro Cuban Jazz Funk band led by in demand Bangladeshi jazz keyboard player Kishon Kahn and Funkshy formed by top London producer and session drummer Tansay Omar who will be fronted by the amazing vocal talents of gospel singer Debbralee Wells.
Then there is the newly re-formed Afro/Brazilian infused music of Da Lata whose long awaited album Fabiola went straight into the world music top ten charts after its international release last year.
“Unlike many festivals the Rhythmtree uses a scouting system which means that very few of the bands on our main-stage have not already been seen live by us at some event or other around the country. That is why we are always confident that we bring to our audience high quality original music for them to discover performed by some of the most talented musicians working in the UK’s underground world music scene.
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"Da Lata is real coup for the festival booking team this year made easier by the fact that the band’s management recognised what we do here at the Rhythmtree and then were more than willing to fit us into their busy UK summer tour. The Rhythmtree is now gaining a reputation for programming a consistently high quality line-up of excellent bands that all seem to relish coming together to share a stage here on the Isle of Wight ”
Published on 22 January 2014 by Ben Robinson
