Here’s a video of the epic jam session that began the Tanzania project. When we first went to Tanzania in January 2015, I wrote two songs inspired by being there. La La Salama and Serengeti Plain. Both of those songs received some exposure through other people performing and recording them.
When we returned in August 2016 our tour operator Ombeni Palangyo helped me to connect with some musicians, and that connection led to this session. It was one of the most bizarre yet joyful musical experiences of my life. I’m grateful to Heather for shooting this video of the event.
I went back to Tanzania the following December and worked with the musicians in the video and three more to arrange and record part of a new batch of songs I’d written inspired by Tanzania. Those are the musicians pictured above, also known as the Great CornerStone Band. I’m currently working with Wendy Schneider at Coney Island Studios on completing those songs. And hoping to return to Tanzania to finish the album.
I thought this jam session should be immortalized on YOUTUBE for its spontaneity and joyfulness. I love the woman at the end as she is ululating.