Search - Scotty Hayward :: Kalimba A La Carte

KALIMBA ALA CARTE is Scotty Hayward's collection of solo performances on the African Kalimba. This original instrumental music reflects influences of African traditions, as well as jazz, reggae, calypso, blues, and classical. Five kalimbas in nine different tunings give each song a unique character and style. The performer also provides rhythmic accompaniment with maracas (African "hosho") tied to his foot. All tracks were recorded live, with the kalimba and foot maracas being played simultaneously. Some tracks utilize guitar effects, which were also performed live. The kalimba (also known as mbira, sansa, thumb-harp, thumb-piano) is one of Africa's oldest and most popular melodic instruments. It is a small sound box with metal keys on top, which are plucked with the thumbs. This primary sound can be modified using sound holes and the vibrations from the bottom of the box. These effects, combined with the interplay of musical lines, create the illusion of several instruments being played at once. The instruments used in this recording were all built by the performer. Scotty Hayward also adapted guitar pickups and effects to create these accoustic/electric kalimbas.