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Courtesy Urban Folklore |
Urban Folklore - Funky Cool Fusion
By Steven Fullwood
Merriam Webster's dictionary so kindly tells us that "urban" means
"of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city," and that
"folklore" is the "traditional customs, tales, sayings, dances, or art
forms preserved among a people." About five years ago, these two funky words found
each other, embraced and became Urban Folklore, the name of a fantastic musical duo you
will undoubtedly hear about in the years to come. And remember, I told you first.
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Singer/songwriters Nzinga (Roneasha Bell) and Manchild (Derek Gentry) are the salient
ingredients that make up Urban Folklore. The two met in the urban-est of all cities-the
Big Apple-in 1995 while both were doing time at Macy's Santaland, as Santa's little
helpers. Upon discovering they were both starving actors (hence the elf shoes) and had
similar musical tastes (Sade, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder), the genesis for Urban
Folklore was born.
First came the life-altering conversation between Nzinga
and Manchild in musical partnership; then came an acoustic guitar that they gigged with at
small lounges, such as Velvet in the East Village in New York. Conceptually Urban Folklore
continued to evolve and soon the duo was backed by a guitar, bass and drum trio, and
shortly after, a six-piece band. Larger venues in New York and Queens such as Orchid,
After 5, Triad, CBGB Galleries and the Dark Star Lounge have showcased the sweet sounds of
Urban Folklore. They won first at a "battle of the bands" competition at
Downtime in New York, and subsequently pack the club whenever they perform there.
Defying category, Urban Folklore's sound is a nice pastiche of soul, jazz and funk with a
bit of rock thrown in for edge. Nzinga's gospel-tinged voice tends to linger long after
the song ends. Hers is a voice that holds power, but rather than engaging in vocal showing
out, she interprets with cool finesse. "Nzinga's Groove," a song on Urban
Folklore's self-titled CD demonstrates this. Add Manchild's soft and easy tenor to the mix
and you have an original aural treat, not easily duplicated.
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To say that Urban Folklore is unique is
redundant. Better put, they make good music that's new and familiar all at once. You'd
best get with it. Don't worry about thanking me later.
M
May 2000
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