To order “Lost Kingdom” contact Mark Kelso
Wouassi Dance
Brice Wassy’s drumming style has been a great source of inspiration to me ever since I saw him play in Toronto with Salif Keita in 1990. I l was in awe of his deep groove and his mastery of African 12/8 rhythms. This song is based on the “Mangabeu” rhythm from Cameroon and I dedicate it to Brice.
The Seashores of Hazelbank
As a child growing up in Northern Ireland, my Mother and her sisters Ann and Margaret used to take me and my cousins Dawn, Coreen and Philip to play down at the beach at Hazelbank. l have wonderful memories of this place and those childhood times. This song is for my Mother Mai.
Patricia’s Song
Patricia is my darling wife who is a constant source of love and happiness for me. This Brazilian song was the first one written specifically for this CD and I named it for her.
Enuma Elish
The “Enuma Elish” is the oldest story of creation in Sumerian legend. I suppose the earliest musical instruments were done with the voice and hands. This is my attempt to create a piece for just those two things. I did take a few liberties with the inclusion of the drums and African Djuns however.
Looking Glass
Just a little short piece in 7/8 that came to me one afternoon.
Lighter Than Air
Along with my many musical influences, I am a big fan of Pop music as well. The way I see it is, why close yourself off from other styles of music? lf it’s good….what does it matter what style it is. This is another song for Patricia.
The Seventh Son
This is an old song of mine from 1993 and probably my Father Sam’s favourite. He actually had to remind me to put in a few of the middle section vocal parts because I had forgotten them! This tune was also the one that got the most grief from the musicians who played on it because I kept saying how easy it was. Of course I don’t want to even mention how many times I did the drum tracks until I was happy!
Big Dreams
Another Brazilian influenced piece. I always loved the way Peter Erskine or Carlos Vega would play this type of song and I tried to incorporate their style into the feel.
The Last Dance of Eriff Estyn
Way back when l was entertaining the thought of being a singer, my parents thought a stage name might be cool. I think Estyn and Eriff are both Irish words and that’s where the name originates from. I never did change my name but I thought it would be fun to include it in this funky Celtic piece as a reference.
Orion’s Secret
Another short piece that came from testing out my new Sakara and Kil-a-ut from my drum making friend Ron Cross who’s company just happens to be called Orion Drums. I guess the secret is trying to find where “one” is when the song starts…or the fact that the Orion’s Belt star cluster just happens to be identical to the layout of the pyramids of Giza. Hmmmmm…
Lost Kingdoms
This groove is loosely based on another Brice Wassy inspired rhythm from Cameroon called a “Bikutsi” which happens in the sax solo. The title refers to the lost history of the world and ancient artifacts that we may never know the truth about. Seek knowledge to find the way to the truth.
With Love As My Guide
I think that love can be a guide to us as we strive to understand ourselves and where we fit into this universe with all it’s mysteries and wonder. Love led me to find my wife, Patricia who I am very thankful for. It has helped me to know my family and friends on a much deeper level and it has led me to find the joy of music. My life would not be as enriched as it is without any of these things.
