Slow Life presents Ancient Agents at the Casa Labia

ABOUT

Here and with these musicians we experience musical influences from Africa, India and Scandinavia. This local-international collaboration brings together four multi-instrumentalists – an innovative lead guitarist, a melody-driven bassist and two intuitive, dexterous percussionists whose instruments range from Arabic to Indian and North African. Each band member brings with him a distinct sound, an impressive performance history and international experience. The quartet comprises of the following superstars

Reza Khota (SA) guitar
An admirer of John McLaughlin and John Schofield, Reza’s strings produce a crossover between east and west, with influences of jazz and classical. He’s worked with SA’s finest musicians, among them Kesivan Naidoo, Shane Cooper and Buddy Wells, and recently taught masterclasses at the University of Toronto.
Schalk Joubert (SA) bass
One of SA’s busiest session musicians, Schalk is a product of his cultural heritage. He’s able to articulate South African melodies, West African grooves and harmony in the European tradition to produce a cohesive, melodic sound. He’s performed, produced and recorded with the likes of David Kramer, Nico Carstens and Michelle Shocked.
Fredrik Gille (Sweden) riq, frame drum, cajonFredrik has collected and mastered a variety of percussion instruments from all over the world, with Middle Eastern drumming being his expertise. His sound is influenced by Arabic rhythms and Spanish music. He’s worked with composer Andreas Vollenweider, Algerian vocalist Karima Nayt, Swedish trip folk band Bazar Blå and Flamenco en Route.
Ronan Skillen (Ireland) tabla, hybrid percussion kit, didgeridoo
Ronan is inspired by the aesthetic of record label ECM, and music from Mali to Memphis and Mumbai. His flair for improvisation began with the didgeridoo, and his later schooling in Indian classical music and wide palette of textural percussive sounds combine to create a rich soundscape. He’s toured with Rodriguez and Johnny Clegg, and performed with Manu Dibango among others.
To see vids from individual band members check these out:
Ronan Skillen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vLqFgHx0jM
Fredrik Gille: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh5NYRLbzB4
Schalk Joubert: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWOufZIrusc
Reza Khota: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlTkI431QhY

DIRECTIONS