Two Pender Harbour musicians, Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos and Kocassale Dioubate, from very different traditions, will combine musical forces for the first time and share their sounds this Saturday, Sept. 8, at St. Hilda's Church in a concert titled One Earth. It promises to be the most unusual blending ever of Japanese and African musical traditions.
Ramos was born in Japan to Filipino parents, attended school in the United States, and now lives near Madeira Park. After studying Eastern religions and philosophy in university, Ramos returned to Japan to study the flute for several years. He is Canada's leading teacher of the shakuhachi bamboo flute, attaining the rare level of dai shihan (grandmaster). He practices the traditional ways, but enjoys exploring other sonic worlds. He teaches, performs, records and makes his own instruments. Though the shakuhachi flute is his main instrument, at the One Earth concert he will play the Australian didgeridoo and his guitar and will be singing as well.
Dioubate, from Guinea, West Africa, is a traditional story-teller, entertainer, musician, praise singer, counsellor and mediator. Born into this inherited lineage of arts and entertainment, he has been playing and creating music, as well as dancing, ever since he was old enough to walk.
Under the guidance of his grandfather and father, Dioubate learned to play and to build the traditional instruments of their tribe. He not only preserved and played the traditional music, but also composed his own original music from a tender age. Since his arrival on Canada's West Coast in 2005, he has facilitated countless workshops for all different age groups, and performed shows at hundreds of schools, communities and festivals.
With his exotic hand-made instruments, compelling rhythms, fine, natural musical skills and contagious smile, Dioubate captures the essence of his Malinke culture through its music, and he takes his audiences on a cultural journey.
Ramos and Dioubate first met during an ArtStarts showcase in Vancouver, a program that sent performers to schools throughout B.C. Ramos did not realize that Dioubate lived just up the highway from him until after he had admired the musician's work. It's their first performance together.
"We're doing a kind of fusion," Ramos said, "and we'll also perform original compositions solo."
There will be lots of energy, dancing, clapping and rhythm, and also some meditative moments and exploration of sound tone.
Their intention is to show how music is a healing force to bring people and cultures together in a spirit of harmonious symbiosis.
"We're two diverse cultures expressing how we can live together harmoniously," Ramos said.
The concert is at St. Hilda's Church in Sechelt, (5838 Barnacle) noted for its good acoustics, at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30). Tickets are available at the door for $20 general, $15 seniors and students. For more see www.alcvin.ca.
