Scotty Hayward Kalimba A La Carte CD

KALIMBA A LA CARTE is Scotty Hayward's collection of solo performances on the African kalimba. This original instrumental music reflects influences of African traditions, as well as jazz, reggae, calypso, blues, and classical. Five kalimbas in nine different tunings give each song a unique character and style. Rhythmic accompaniment comes from maracas (African "hosho") tied to Hayward's foot. All tracks were recorded live, with the kalimba and foot maracas being played simultaneously. Some tracks utilize guitar effects, which were also performed live. The kalimba (also known as mbira, sansa, thumb-piano) is one of the oldest and most popular melodic instruments of Africa. Modern African guitar styles are heavily influenced by ancient kalimba music. Scotty Hayward's music is, in turn, influenced by American guitar styles as much as African kalimba styles. The instruments used in this recording were all built by the performer, from a design developed by Ryphon Gray. Hayward also adapted guitar pickups and effects to create these accoustic/electric kalimbas.The instruments themselves are small sound boxes with metal keys on top. The primary sound is created by plucking the keys with the thumbs. This sound can then be modulated by use of the sound holes and vibrations from the bottom of the box. These effects, combined with the interplay of musical lines, create the illusion of several instruments being played at once.Scotty Hayward has devoted over 30 years to becoming a new age master of the kalimba. He was trained in European classical music, but always had an affinity for jazz, African, and Caribbean music. Throughout his childhood, he listened to his father's extensive collection of records from Africa and the Caribbean. He discovered the kalimba (or vice-versa) when he was 18 years old. When he was 20, he met Ryphon Gray, who was building kalimbas from his own innovative designs. Scotty became his apprentice, and they worked and performed together for two years. After that, Scotty continued developing his instruments and music on his own. In 1988, Scotty produced his first recording of solo kalimba music, "Kalimba Aquarius". In 1989, he formed The Earthmother's Majimba Band, which performed throughout the Midwest. He recorded several cassettes (including "First Earth Tour") and his first CD, "Kalimba Dreams", with that band. In 1999, he changed the format to a jazz trio named Majimba. His second CD, "Soul of Majimba", was released in 2000. Now he has come full circle with his first solo CD, "Kalimba A La Carte". Ranging from whimsical to ethereal, this is his kalimba music in its purest form.Scotty continues to perform at jazz venues, art and ethnic fairs, clubs, and schools. He also performs as part of a Caribbean-style strolling minstrel duet, with partner, Mak Dervo. Scotty Hayward lives with his wife, Joan, and nine of their ten children, in Iowa City, Iowa.