ViBiraTion

A rare spirit, Jomo is an innovator and player of the only known chromatic/electric mbira of its kind, based on the ancient African mbira (thumb piano). His solo debut CD, Mystical ViBiraTion, is available in stores and via the Internet at www.jomovibes.com. The CD is a collection of his original compositions, performed on traditional mbiras from across the diaspora. Laced with his signature African/Eastern inspiration, these compositions draw from traditional, R&B, hip-hop, jazz and new age influences.From east to west coasts of the United States, and Canada to Jamaica, this Dayton, Ohio native has traveled extensively, playing with numerous performers and recording artists of renown. He appeared with such music greats as Don Cherry and Carl Berger. Accompanying founder, Brother Ah, Jomo performed with The Sounds of Awareness in the mid-1980s, and recorded "Meditation/Black Light from the Womb." He appeared on the soundtrack for the film "From Ashes to Embers," produced by Haile Gerima, the maker of the movie “Sankofa” which premiered at the International Film Festival of New York (1983), playing mbira, percussion and performing vocals. While specializing in rhythms that have a decidedly African flavor, Jomo is equally fluent in jazz, R&B, and gospel.On the concert circuit, Jomo has opened for such noted entertainers as James Taylor, Spyro Gyra, Doc Severinson, Sun Ra, Michael Brecker, Dick Gregory and King Sunny Ade. He has performed live theatrical scores for "Kickin' High", a play by L. Maurice White, and for "The Colored Museum", an off-Broadway musical by George C. Wolfe.Jomo was commissioned by the Miami Zoological Society to create the theme song for Miami’ Metro Zoo’s then new exhibition, “Wall of the Wild.” His composition, “Wild Walls,” premiered at the exhibit's unveiling, marking the newest at the zoo since it had been ravaged by Hurricane Andrew. This richly textured music has melodic as well as rhythmic range, melodically suggesting a foray deep into the lushness of the rainforest, and setting spirits soaring to the highest peaks of Kilimanjaro. This composition along with an improvised live recording called “Meeting of the Ancestors,” recorded with master balafon player and percussionist, Yaya Diallo, has been re-released on the above CD.Other projects to his credit include performing on the CD “Caribbean Jazz Cruise” with Miami Steel & Percussion Orchestra (2000), composing and performing “Baqti” on cellist Ron Clearfield's album, “Songs of a New Earth” (1985), playing percussion on Clearfield’s “Dream Manifestation”album (1987); and, performing as a member of the Afro-pop group, Asante, on their recording of “Serengeti Voices”(1986). He is currently working on his next recording project featuring his chromatic mbira playing new compositions and some familiar jazz and R&B tunes. Jomo resides with his family in South Florida.