A New, Old Sound
Organic, roots hip hop with a soul, and a conscience
The Awakening is an experience - for the players and the audience. Evoking change through word, music, movement and spirit, this organic collective is soul food. Culled from diverse backgrounds, responding to eclectic influences and spreading their versatile wings, the crew shatters boundaries. Genre, race, creed, age, gender, language: irrelevant. Conscience: clear. Function: funk.
featuring...
Belladonna
is a powerful voice for
change. Her versatile dynamic enables listeners to flow smoothly
through hip hop tracks inspired by legends of rock, soul, jazz and
folk, while maintaining a consistent sense of purpose and
intensity. Her forays into the theatrical and literary worlds are
evident in recordings and during live performances, where listeners are
riveted by the narrative style of her rhymes.
John Kendrick (aka
Johnny Ray Boxcar) is the funk behind the fury. His
bass-lines drive the session, while his zen lassitude keeps the lid on
trouble. Johnny will play 'til he wears off the fingerprints,
giving the digits a work-out with rock band AKA, hip hop band DC3 (with
the Red Menace) and other acts throughout the city. He's alright,
that guy.
Jeff Burke (aka Bassooner or Later) is a unique and versatile musician, who plays with a diverse array of bands, including the Subtonic Monks, The Lollipop People, Pat Kelly and the Sweet Vibe Orchestra, and assorted other misfits from time to time. Jeff's forte is structured improvisation. He can always be counted on for a few surprises.
Michael Clark provides the
pulse that propels this vehicle. His guitar acumen provided the
inspiration for Walking in the Free World
and the Giant Squid. Michael's rhythm's have also been known to
complement the works of singer/songwriter Trevor Jones, rock diva
Theresa Greenwood and indie band Along the Lines..
Lai Yee Ho fills out the rhythm section, coming in under the fury to lay a foundation of serenity. She also plays with singer/songwriter Trevor Jones and rock diva Theresa Greenwood, and appears at jam sessions across Toronto.
Sage comes through time and
time again, playing djembe and contributing his inimitable rhymes when
the spirit moves him. He is a constant force behind our forward
movement, and the other half of fictional recording group Seeds
Sown.
Pierre Mongeon plays a
muted trumpet that is both subtle and stirring, as well as djembe and
various percussion instruments. Pierre is an international
recording artist who brings his trademark style to different groups
throughout Toronto. His solo album, Sunday Afternoon, is
anticipated soon.
Elizabeth Dawn Snell
is a dancer, choreographer, actor and fearless collaborator. It
all shows onstage when she provides movement for the Awakening.
Elizabeth is co-founder of Artists'
Play Studio Theatre and curator of Artists' Play Cabaret.
Andreah Hunt has unique
form and perspective. Dancer, choreographer, actor, and founder
of dance troupe DLNW (Dance Like
Nobody's Watching), she is a blessing and an inspiration whose
movements are lyrics of her own.
Mike Brisbin is the Mixmaster. Working the board with all the sensitivity of an audio-virtuoso, and an ear finely tuned from all the time he spends onstage behind the bass with show-stopping band Boulay.
