World Beat/ Global & Jazz percussionist, Obi Kaye has performed various venues and styles, specializing in dance driven and improvisational rhythm. His assertive (& sometimes aggressive) style locks in on a groove & takes it right to the heart of his audience, he explores every voice the drum has to offer & constantly strives to expand each possibility...
He brings a new sophistication & an understanding of many musical genres, as well as creating some new styles.
Obi has performed with numerous Jazz and "World" groups, both Live and in the studio. Both as a solo performer & as a sideman he continues to stretch the limits of musical genres, & appeals to the many tastes of a diverse audience.
His Solo CDs have received international airplay via college, NPR, Pirate, internet and other radio stations that play"non-commercial" music...
As a clinician,Obi strives to present, in a sharing environment, a new relationship to the world around us. Through his relationship with the drum, his drums become fascinating vehicles through which we may visit and understand other cultures, ideas, & even ourselves...
Obi's Previous CDs are:
"Jaguar's Masquerade"
"En alguna Parte..." (somewhere...) &
"Dára jù ti je Ó" (The Better to Eat you...)
He is currently Completing recordings for his fourth solo CD, titled:
"When the Dreamer Awakens..."
Mr. Kaye's other credits include performances on "Summer of Wonderful" (a collection of songs by Elisabeth Jane, adult/contemporary), Live performances with;
* Joe Ferry's Big Ska Band (Ska)
* Hands of Changó (African Folkloric drumming and dance with the late master drummer Oba Famie),
* Numerous Middle Eastern Dance troupes and individual dancers,
* Obi's Funk n' Latin Jazz Project (Funk & Latin Jazz),
* George Wesley (reggae),
* Gary McCready (smooth Jazz) and much more.
He has performed at the:
* Milford Music Festival &
* Milford's Music in the Park Summer Concert Series,
* Berks Jazz Fest,
* Yeungling/Schuylkill Summer Jazz Festival Pottsville PA),
* Musikfest (Bethlehem PA),
* Schuylkill's annual Unity Day Celebration &
* other music and Arts festivals.
As a clinician, Obi Produces numerous workshops and other programs (using drums as a tool for understanding) for all ages and environments. He has produced many programs for children and seniors alike in schools, institutions, and for many community groups.
*In April of 2005, Obi was diagnosed with a large and inoperable brain tumour called a pituitary macroedenoma. Over the course of the past 4 years he has spent time in treatment recovering through medical, herbal and spiritual treatment.
He is a staunch advocate for healing the spirit through the arts.
city
Milford
state/country
PA, US
time
? - present
employer
Shaved Monkey Productions/ Go-rilla! Studios
position
Owner/ Producer
time
May 1996 - present
