FOOLS IN PARADISE: The Other Side of the Sky

Fools In Paradise

The Other Side of the Sky

© 2007 Kite Giedraitis (619981214827)

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Afro-folk: Mbira, marimba, sax, hand drums & vocals. Mostly originals with thought-provoking lyrics.

tracks

1 Maybe
2 Hama Dzedu
3 The River
4 Round & Around
5 Why Be Normal
6 Mhondoro
7 Mmm Ma Ma Kuay
8 My Rich Uncle
9 A Gift Not Given
10 Show Me the Way
11 Power & Money
12 Ecstacy
13 Warm Your Soul
14 Infinitia

notes

Fools In Paradise is a six-person group playing both original and traditional music on African instruments: mbira dazvazimu (3-octave Zimbabwean kalimba), marimbas, bass kalimba, saxophone, congas and djembe. Five of the tracks on this CD feature a full marimba ensemble a la Dumi Maraire or Balafon. Pennywhistle, tar, steel drum, hosho (gourd shakers), dundun and donno (talking drum) are also used. There are no electronics or sampling, for an authentic, timeless sound.

There are a few traditional Zimbabwean songs, but the material is mostly originals with direct, thought-provoking lyrics. With five vocalists in the band, and four lead singers, the vocals are full and varied. There's even an a capella track!

For more info on the band, check out our website, www.FoolsInParadise.com. We can also be reached at www.myspace.com/FoolsInParadise

reviews

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  • Upbeat, enjoyable, and thoroughly infectious!
    author: Victory Review magazine, Dec '07

    "'Tis but our foolish natures producing all the world's want and suffering, for in truth we inhabit a veritable paradise." This quote by Chadwick Merlowe closes the liner notes of Fools In Paradise's new CD, The Other Side of the Sky, and opens up the world that this group embraces. 72 minutes of upbeat, enjoyable, and thoroughly infectious rhythms and melodies jump off the CD, with music that warms the room and livens the spirit. Fools In Paradise is Portland's six piece band led by Kite Giedraitis, playing traditional music of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Guinea and Ghana. The authentic sounds of African instruments, many of which were handmade by Kite, include marimba, mbira, congas, djembe, dundun and hosho. Saxophone, pennywhistle and guitar coexist with the traditional instruments, seamlessly blending the colorful palette of ancient and new. Several members of the group trade off lead vocals, keeping the sound varied and interesting, from the rich soulful tone of Saffire Bouchelion's velvet vocals, to the playful and forthright styling of Kite Giedraitis. Fools In Paradise specialize their performances for children and families, but when Kevin Finkle cajoles everyone to "Jump, jump, jump! Jump, jump, jump! Shake, shake, shake! Shake, shake, shake!" in the catchy "Hama Dzedu", it's hard to imagine anyone of any age sitting still. Erin Middleton, Noah Peterson, Eric Orem, along with special guests Sherry Costar and TJ Arko also add their vocal and musical gifts to the album. Fools In Paradise are popular performers in festivals and and in schools, where they are part of the Youing Audiences' "Run for the Arts" program. One can imagine that the uplifting listening experience on this CD is even more enhaced in a live performance, where their ethnic attire, exotic instruments, and high-energy music offer an engaging gateway to African history, language, and culture.

  • The Other Side of the Sky
    author: Lynda Cole

    Playful! Relevent! Clever! Wonderful musicianship! Like the others who have submitted a review about this CD I can't help but gush!!The music brings a smile,the words, reminders of what is important in life, and immediately gets me on my feet dancing.The combination of African rhythms and western voices and lyrics is really well done. I highly recommend this cd. Lynda Cole

  • Absolutely brilliant!
    author: Lawrence Howard

    Hi Kite, I just want to tell you how much I am enjoying the new Fools CD -- I think it is absolutely brilliant. I really like the two new songs, too -- especially "Maybe." Your singing is really honest and authentic, and your marimba leads are outstanding -- especially on "Ecstasy." I really like Saffire's vocals, too, and all the harmony vocals. And Noah's horn playing is just amazing. I don't mean to gush but this CD is just really a tour-de-force of brilliant music and brilliant musicianship!

  • I listen to this CD everyday--It's the ultimate feel-good music!
    author: Holly

    I love this CD, I listen to it everyday! The tunes are catchy, the words simple but relevant, and there's a lot of variety to the music. It makes me want to sing and dance--It's just plain fun! I like to put it on when I'm driving, cooking, cleaning the house, doing the yardwork--Pretty soon I'm done and I've had a really good time.

  • Pure Joy!
    author: Marga Snipes

    WOW! This CD is pure JOY. I defy anyone to feel blue or down while listening. Now, this is what "music therapy" is all about! Once was not enough, the minute the CD ended I jumped up to play it again, the house seemed empty without it's sound and energy. The song selection was perfect, reminding me of the importance of "play" and keeping life in perspective. I could identify at some level with it all, many thanks for all the smiles inside and out. What a great group of humans "being" you all are, so refreshing and spontaneously uplifting, there is HOPE! Heading off to work for now with a warm fuzzy good feeling inside!

  • Fun CD! Our kids love listening to it in the car.
    author: Jeff Powers

    Great sound with a lots of variety and pertinent lyrics. Thanks!

  • Thank you for your voice!
    author: Stacy Anne Murphy

    Tonight we were at a little Xmas Eve thing at Mulberry House and we played your new CD. People really loved it! For me, as a writer, I love the upbeat joy of the music and the simple profundity of your lyrics. Thank you for your voice, it is an important, good-hearted voice Kite.

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