Rich Brown Tells a Global Story on Solo Bass Album “Nyaeba”
Bass guru and educator Rich Brown has released a brand new album called Nyaeba that explores the possibilities of the six-string bass. All of the sounds on the recordings were created entirely on his bass. While some solo bass albums are an excuse to showcase chops, Brown’s new album focuses on texture, melody, and storytelling.
“Written and performed entirely on the bass guitar, it’s the story of an imagined griot who journeys around the world and returns to relate his tales in song,” explains Whirlwind Recordings. “Rich drew inspiration from the many remarkable musicians he’s supported as a bassist, or encountered in the richly multicultural music scene in his adopted hometown of Toronto. Throughout the album, the commitment to melody and story ensures that the technique, though prodigious, never overshadows the tale.”
The music draws heavily from African and South American rhythms with inspiration from Uganda, Africa and Brazil. Feel the energy of the album with the opening track, “Ukudlala,” which is Zulu for the word “play.”
“I love the fact that the word we use for making music is the same word we use for having fun. Let’s play,” Brown says.
Nyaeba is streaming now on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. It’s available on CD and vinyl through Bandcamp.
Nyaeba Track Listing:
- Ukudlala
- The Sum of Our Tears (Gently Falling)
- Heart of a Lonely Woman
- Nyaeba (The Griot)
- Kalagala Ebwembe
- Sowetoiera
- Turiyasangitananda – The Transcendental Lord’s Highest Song of Bliss (Meditation for Alice Coltrane)
- The Kingdom of Heaven is Within
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
