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Kevin Spears

Considered by many as one of the best kalimba players alive today, Kevin KalimbaMan Spears gift on electric kalimba/sanza has astounded audiences around the world. He is a performer of exceptional virtuosity and creativity who balances the ethereal sound of kalimba while advancing the infinite sonic possibilities of this exotic musical instrument through the use of modern electronics, guitar effects and skill.

In addition to making his own instruments, KalimbaMan performs internationally including a recent tour of Japan and was recently featured in the international music magazine/radio program "AfroPop Worldwide". Spears' has teamed up with Grammy winning percussionist Count M'Butu of the Derek Trucks Band to form a dynamic world fusion duo called Rhythm Nomadic.

In addition, Spears' has worked with and/or opened for artists such as: Arrested Development, Victor Wooten, Eric Benet, Col. Bruce Hampton, Toubab Krewe, De La Soul/POS, Tony Royster Jr, Bill Summers (of Herbie Hancock band), Vinx, Mamadou Doumbia (of Salif Keita band), Rick Walker, Epizo Bangoura, Jhelisa Anderson and Divinity (Beyonce),

The kalimba / sanza is an African instrument made famous in the U.S. predominately through the visionary leader of Earth, Wind and Fire named Maurice White. The kalimba is derived from the ancient musical instrument of Zimbabwe called mbira. This class of musical instruments (lamellophone) contains metal, bamboo or wooden strips (keys/tines) that are fastened atop a small acoustic resonating body.

Drawing from many musical influences from around the world, Kevin aka "KalimbaMan" as his as his friends call him uniquely mixes these styles into a musical experience all his own. His music bridges Africa to America from Jazz to Rock, Funk to Flamenco with a powerful infusion of spirituality.

Gear

Kevin Spears Custom Kalimba's, BOSS guitar effects, Digitech guitar effects and JamMan


Tags

AfroPop Worldwide- "Spears tweaks the kalimba to create a soulful, funky sound that would make Stevie Wonder smile."

Link- http://blog.afropop.org/2010/09/kevin-kalimbaman-spears.html

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