Tiki CD

Richard Bona, a songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist from Cameroon, built his name on the music scene as a top-shelf session musician and solo artist. TIKI, Bona's fourth solo effort, is a case study in world fusion. In addition to Bona's excellent chops (he plays many of the album's instruments himself, including the bass, for which he is particularly well known), the disc boasts an immediately appealing sound that draws heavily on Afro-Pop, but also boasts Latin rhythms, Indian melodies, American pop, R&B, and funk elements, and nearly everything in between. Bona's beautiful, soothing vocals carry TIKI's memorable melodies, while guest appearances by John Legend, Susheela Ramen, and guitarist Mike Stern raise the world-class profile of this impressive release.

Photographer: Ian Abela.

Personnel: Richard Bona (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar, electric guitar, keyboards, bass synthesizer, percussion, sampler, background vocals); Richard Bona (bass guitar, mbira); Djavan (vocals); Davi Vieira (rap vocals); Mike Stern (guitar, electric guitar); Helio Delmiro (guitar); Tonino Horta (acoustic guitar); Aquiles Baez (tres); Tom Chiu, Conrad Harris, Joyce Hammann, Belinda Whitney (violin); Lois Martin (viola); Dave Eggar , Richard Locker (cello); Marcelo Martins (flute); Marc Berthoumieux (accordion); Aaron Heick (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Kenny Rampton, Barry Danielian (trumpet); Clark Gayton (trombone); Osmany Paredes, George Colligan (piano); Ari Hoenig, Obed Calvaire, Nathaniel Townsley (drums); Marcos Suzano, Luisito Quintero (percussion); John Legend (vocals, background vocals); Susheela Raman (vocals); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums).

Recording information: Bonayuma Recording Studio, New York, NY, Unites States; Fibra Records Studios, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Les Studios De La Seine, Paris, France; Sear Sound Studio, New York, NY, Unites States.