RAVEN DUCHESS: FOLKLORE album review

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RAVEN DUCHESS is a veteran of the Zimbabwe festival and corporate event circuit.

Her music is a blend of Afro-folk and jazz, her lyrics address issues that affect people around the world. FOLKLORE, her latest offering, continues the organic synthesis of previous release ETHNO VIBES with an all-star crew of supporting musicians, crisp production and memorable tunes. We discuss the album track by track, peeling back the layers of intertwined influence that make up FOLKLORE.

Who are the percussionist and guitarists on RWENDO?

Sergio Marciano Pereda (is) featured. He is the awesome guitarist and percussionist .

Do you do all of your own backup vocals?

I do all my backup vocals . As a mezzo- soprano I have a wide vocal range.

ZVICHANAKA is buoyed by a piano vamp, keyboard brass sounds and traditional percussion figures. Who played this funky baseline?

It has a catchy bassline by the talented South African bassist Gally Ngoveni.

Is this a typical African drum pulse? What would you call it?

(This) tune is the typical Afro Jazz rhythm.

MUSANGO is a perfect jazz trio vocal song.

What language are you singing in?

I am singing in Shona, one of Zimbabwe’s vernacular language. 

MADHUNAMUTUNA features an English language verse. Can you connect the dots for me between this style of guitar and the HILIFE/TOWNSHIP JIVE sounds?

It’s a blend of traditional Zimbabwean cultural music fused with some Township Jazz vibes 

HONDO is a track with some very tasteful 

percussion built around a kick drum pulse: I love the Mbira style of building loops and rounds. What feeling is this sound connected to for you?

This song has an ancient folklore touch which evokes a nostalgic feeling… (the) simple set up of Mbira, Cajon , maracas and vocals packs a punch, and connects the listener to the organic vibe .

In CHIREMBA, what musical style are you drawing on with the flute accents throughout this song?

The Penny whistle has that Kwela-South African sound that resonates with the Zimbabwean Marimba. Chiremba is a song that heals the soul. A cheerful tune that surely leaves you smiling. 

TOVERA is an exemplary Afro-Folk Jazz track.

Is there only one guitar part?

Is there a name for the tune of this song?

Tovera has the Mhande tune which is a rain making ceremony dance . I definitely arranged the song in that particular way to have a lead guitar solo part .

SOULMATE features emcee DOUGH MAJOR delivering a rap verse over a trap-style beat.

How does this production translate to a live band onstage?

It’s always awesome performing hip hop music live. We usually use the Octapad drum to spice up the vibe. Zimbabwean Hip hop award winner Dough Major nailed his verse.

Jazz Ambassadors such as LOUIS ARMSTRONG, COUNT BASIE, ELLA FITZGERALD  and DUKE ELLINGTON brought American Jazz to an international audience throughout the Twentieth Century. FOLKLORE offers the world an exemplar of true Continental Jazz, songs born of traditional musical elements, fresh songs from the bottomless spring of African culture, touching upon the intersections of folk, funk, classic jazz and hip hop. The DUCHESS is poised, alongside many heavy hitters, to demonstrate Africa’s place at the forefront of many 21st century musical genres.