Bokanté: Jou Ké Ouvè

Bokanté is a new band and experiment by Snarky Puppy founder and GroundUP Music creator Michael League. For the most part, League plays baritone guitar in this group, but he also doubles on bass.

“The word bokanté means “exchange” in Creole, the language of vocalist Malika Tirolien’s youth growing up on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe,” the band shared. “Now living in Montreal, she stands among 8 musicians from 4 continents, each one accomplished in their own right and well versed in music far beyond that of their point of origin. Two-time Grammy award-winning guitarists Michael League, Chris McQueen, and Bob Lanzetti (all from Snarky Puppy), percussion legend Jamey Haddad (Paul Simon, Sting), pedal and lap steel virtuoso Roosevelt Collier (Lee Boys, Karl Denson), and unplaceable percussionists André Ferrari (Väsen) and Keita Ogawa (Banda Magda, Yo-Yo Ma) come together to create a diverse ensemble rich in groove, melody, and soul.”

Here’s a preview of the band’s upcoming album, Strange Circles, which releases in May.

This track is “Jou Ké Ouvè,” and we’re digging this band and sound.

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