A little bit of African rain forest in Long's Park
Martin Cradick's trip to Africa in 1992 with his wife, Su Hart, began as a vacation and led to a lifestyle change.
The Cradicks spent years with the Baka Pygmies residents of the central African rain forest in Cameroon while learning about their music and lifestyle.
Cradick loved www.shopcoltsnfljersey.com/WOMENS-COBY-FLEENER-JERSEY.html the songs so much he recorded his first album with his take on www.shopColtsnfljersey.com the Baka music. His variety came from his bandmates, forming Baka Beyond and drawing together the sounds of a violin, Irish whistle, drums, guitar and bass, as well as the haunting vocal yodeling associated with the Baka people.
"It's kind of a bizarre thing my interpretation on their interpretation Kids Coby Fleener Jersey of the Baka music over the years," the group's lead singer said with a thick British accent. Sunday, July 31, at Long's Park, where the group will perform in the annual Summer Music Series.
Critics have tried to define their sound, but the group's website describes it as "Africanrhythm, Celtic soul." Though Cradick said the genres blend together well, using the natural Baka beat as the center of their sound.
The group rarely performs in English. Instead, members utilize the Baka language, as well as Gaelic and French.
Cradick said language adds an important piece to the sound, forcing the vocals to serve as an instrument instead of merely a vehicle for delivering lyrics.
"Most [songs] are a fantastic load of rubbish when you hear them," he said. "The difference comes in the words, in understanding and communicating the music."
His passion comes from the universal language of song a characteristic Cradick learned from the Baka people, who rely on music and sounds for safety and protection while living in the jungle all of their lives.
A witness to how little these people possessed, yet how much they had to offer, Cradick founded the Global Music Exchange. It's his way of giving back to the people who taught him so much about their music, he said.
Through the exchange, Cradick has recorded some of the Baka musicians live and donates a percentage of his earnings from those specific albums to the people.
"At the time, we said, 'Yeah, yeah, yeah, electric light,' but that's one of the first things they asked for and really needed," Cradick said.
But when it comes to his own needs, Cradick finds the most rewarding moments come from his music the joy it brings to him and his band, and the thrill it can provide audiences around the world.
Having faced the challlenge of making it in the music industry, Cradick said, he's aware of the many good bands out there \h so many, in fact, that good groups can often go unnoticed.
"Since [age] 13, I dreamed of playing music. To make a living out of it is great," said Craddick, who added that at this point a change in career isn't likely for him.
"I'm 50 years old now and probably not cut out to do anything else," he said with a laugh. every year since 2003. This concert at Long's Park marks its return to the summer music series, which it also played in 2005.
The outdoor atmosphere of the park and the patron mix allows the group to branch out and try new things.
"We want them to leave with a big smile on their faces and their legs a little tired from dancing," Cradick said.
But the message and soul that audience members can take away from the experience still resonate with the lifetime musician long after his performances are over.