Cha Wa – Funk ‘n’ Feathers (Upt Music, 2016)
Superb New Orleans multi-ethnic band Cha Wa brings together the vibrant Mardi Gras Indian tradition and irresistible polyrhythmic funk beats. Although the ensemble has been around for several years, carrying out numerous live performances, Funk ‘n’ Feathers is Cha Wa’s first album. “Cha Wa” is a slang phrase used by every New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian tribe, indicating “We’re comin’ for ya.”
Cha Wa injects street funk into New Orleans classics such as Dr. John’s “All On A Mardi Gras Day” and “Jock-A-Mo” (also known as ‘Iko Iko’). The group is led by singer and percussionist Honey Banister and drummer Joe Gelini. Honey Banister is a member of the Creole Wild West tribe. He appeared in the wonderful HBO series Treme. Gelini moved to New Orleans after graduating from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Joe saw the Mardi Gras Indians appearing on Mardi Gras day to parade down Dryades Street. “I was hooked,” says Gelini. “It’s a spiritual thing. It’s more than the music.”
The lineup on Funk ‘n’ Feathers includes Irving “Honey” Banister on lead vocals and tambourine; Spy Boy J’Wan Boudreaux (grandson of Big Chief Monk Boudreaux of the Golden Eagles) on lead vocals and tambourine; Joe Gelini on drums, percussion and background vocals; John Fohl on guitar and background vocals; Sheizo Shibayama on guitar; Stephen Malinowski on organ; Yoshitaka “Z2” Tsuji on acoustic and Rhodes piano; and Norwood “Geechie” Johnson of the legendary Wild Magnolias on bass drum and background vocals.
Special guests include: Haruka Kikuchi on trombone; Irving Banister Sr. on rhythm guitar; producer Ben Ellman on alto saxophone; Dave Crawford on lead vocals; and Colin Lake on lap steel guitar.
Upcoming concerts:
03/31- Lafayette’s – Memphis, TN
04/01- Blue Nile [Album Release Show] – New Orleans, LA
04/07- French Quarter Fest – New Orleans, LA
04/10- d.b.a – New Orleans, LA
04/21- Ogden Museum of Southern Art – New Orleans, LA
04/23- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LA
04/30- French Broad River Festival – Asheville, NC
06/04- Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Festival – Augusta, NJ
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
