Richard Bona: Scenes From My Life

Bassist/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Richard Bona has debuted SCENES FROM MY LIFE for Columbia Jazz. The Cameroon, Africa native who is widely considered to be one of the world’s top bass players, and rightly so, has performed with such great musicians as Harry Belafonte, Joe Zawinul, Manu Dibango, Billy Cobham, The Brecker Brothers and Salif Keita. Singing in his native language of Douala, Richard Bona blends African music and jazz to reveal his remarkable talents as a vocalist and instrumentalist. He composed all twelve songs about various incidents in his life, the politics of his native country and is joined by such stellar musicians as Omar Hakim on drums, Michael Brecker on tenor sax, Jean-Michel Pilc and Edsel Gomez on piano and Aaron Heick on alto saxophone. Richard Bona has a great voice and by singing in his native language of Douala, one gets the true meaning, rhythmic content and vivid artistry of each and every lyric. Standouts on the CD include the “Te Dikalo,” “Djombwe,” and “One Minute,” which is sung in English and Douala! The string arrangement on “Muna Nyuwe,” is a Bona-fide triumph and as are the rhythmic gems Bona offers. SCENES FROM MY LIFE is a marvelous debut for Richard Bona and represents the brilliance within his consummate artistry. A must have.

Tracks: Dipita; New Bell; Souwedi Na Wengue; Eyala; Djombwe; Te Dikalo; One Minute; Muna Nyuwe; Na Mala Nde; Konda Djanea; Eyando; Messanga

Musicians: Richard Bona-vocals, bass, keyboards, organ, percussion, vocoder, kalimba, guitars; Jean-Michel Pilc-piano; Omar Hakim-drums; Makthar Samba-drums; Alune Faye-sabbar; Frederique Favarel-acoustic & electric guitar; Aaron Heick-alto sax; Stephan Vera-drums; Ari Hoenig-drums; Etienne Stadwijk-keyboards; Jeremy Gaddie-drums; Edsel Gomez-piano; Colette Michaan-flute; Luisito Quintero-percussion; Members of the New York Symphony; Michael Brecker

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