27 Oct PASCAL BOKAR PRESENTS NEW AMAZING ALBUM “AMERCAN TRAILS”
Through this exciting CD release entitled “American Trails”, Guitarist/Vocalist Pascal Bokar, Father of the “AfroBlueGrazz” sound makes a resounding musical statement of the nature of the multi-cultural expressions and legacies of West African heritage and African American traditions through the Blues.
This new sound and Blues CD entitled “American Trails” by virtuoso guitarist/vocalist Pascal Bokarconnects the American musical traditions of the South with the original 4 string instrument from Mail West Africa, Ngoni or banjo and the West African balafon (ancestor of the xylophone) in a powerful rhythmic and multi sonic Blues based contemporary gumbo that one has yet to discover.
The new Blues based CD “American Trails” deepens Pascal Bokar’s exploration of the Blues in his “AfroBlueGrazz” concept with an opening ear-popping version of Blues Great Otis Spann’s composition “The Blues Don’t Like Nobody” in a duet with vocalist Paula Harris and some blistering scat/guitar singing.
The first track of the album is followed by the sultry ballad “I Wanna See You in My Dreams” also featuring Paula Harris. The funky, grooving “I Can Tell” introducing the West African balafon (ancestor of the xylophone) and the banjo is a hard pulsing number that is sure to get everybody dancing reuniting the old sonic landscape of the American South in a contemporary Blues and call and response format. “Your Smile Inside My Nights” projects Pascal’s mellow baritone vocals in a light, syncopated and dance pulse followed by the hard hitting Blues instrumental “Let It Groove, All Night Long”. The album “American Trails” closes with “Everytime I See You There “featuring Pascal Bokar’s fast and delirious guitar work which sums up this upbeat release that will delight audiences of all ages and tastes.
CD “American Trails” is distributed nationally and worldwide by the SUGO Music Group of Half Moon Bay, CA, USA and Savanna Jazz Records.
ALBUM LINK
https://open.spotify.com/album/7I6RPwbNZn5GAW42JUw13b?si=zGNgtin7RW6b-2qU11mxZQ
WE HAD AN INTERVIEW WITH PASCAL
Thanks for coming through PASCAL BOKAR. First things first, how would you describe your sound?
I come from a continent i.e. Africa that believes that innovation is best served when one has a thorough understanding and knowledge of tradition. My music although new in its conceptualization Afro Blue Grazz is just a different organization of ancient traditions. As one of the Fathers of Rock n Roll the Great Chuck Berry said “there is nothing new under the Sun” : )
A round up of musical traditions of the American story from an African and African American perspective. African Americans were the first cowboys. They were the one sent to move cattkes to Montana from the South and battle the Native Americans on the way. They had an entire network of black towns along the Cattle trails and they played the banjo and the music of the Mississippi Delta where a great majority of them lived.
And of course you have a new project ‘AMERICAN TRAILS’ . Tell us about that and the process involved in creating it?
I am the creator of the Afro Blue Grazz Sound – Grazz stands for the contraction of Grass and Jazz both authentically American sounds and musical traditions. I was toying with the combination of words and my friend the producer Greg Landau came out ad said we should out al 3 words together – he and Iworked for a about a year on an important album conceptual album I made in 2016 entitled “American Shores:” The CD “American Trails” is a continuation of the developmental process of this concept.
What are some of the themes and concepts you included on this project?
It is a reflection of the musical histories and traditions of the people (Africans and Europeans) who met in foreign land i.e. North America
The song has since garnered quite a good receptionon .What has the reception to ‘‘AMERICAN TRAILS’ been like on your end?
We are hoping that people will appreciate our musical outlook and sense of cultural inclusiveness that describes our music as a refelction of our collective humanity and its authenticity in the best light possible
Any particular bands or artists you took inspiration from?
I listen to everybody from Dizzy Gllespie and Charlie Parker to Bootsy Collins, James Brown to George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Toumani Diabate and Bassekou Kouyate to Chuck Berry, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Stravinski, Saint George, Beethoven, Charlie Pride, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy so go figure… : )
What are your hopes for the new single ‘AMERICAN TRAILS’?
Hope fans will like the concept and embrace it.
What can you tell us about your plans for the rest of 2019?
Get the band out on the road more often
What message do you have for your fans out there?..
Always be inclusive – this is One world – One planet – One Human Race – Celebrate Diversity
