Tom Foote’s debut CD, "Drum Like An Animal" is a fun, upbeat combination of original songs, African melodies and traditional African rhythms with elements of world music, jazz, funk, R&B, and pop that will get you drumming, dancing, and singing along! With influences such as Peter Gabriel, Issa Bagayogo, Stevie Wonder and Putumayo artists, "Drum Like An Animal" is infectious and great for all ages.
ABOUT THE SONGS:
Funga Alafia Take a walk in the jungle with this hip, Peter Gabriel-style arrangement of a popular Liberian melody featuring the rhythm Fanga. This is a great song to dance to or to grab a drum, or any instrument, and play along!
Drum Like An Animal Inspired from the Malian rhythm Dansa, this original song is totally fun, has an infectious groove and was written for my daughter’s "pet" chimpanzee Monk-Monk.
Africa Oh Africa My djembe teacher Moussa Traore heard this song and said, “This song is going to make you famous!” This catchy melody and dance beat, derived from the Malian rhythm Suku, is my way of honoring Africa, and its people, who have given so much.
Siyahamba This popular South African song, sung in choirs and churches around the world, has been rearranged and re-harmonized with a fun, dance groove and layered over Gahu, a social dance rhythm from Ghana.
Kakilambe With a strong Peter Gabriel influence, this melody from Guinea takes on a whole new vibe and features cracking djembe solos and interwoven keyboard lines.
Obwisana This popular Ghanaian song has been remixed with a driving, upbeat Nigerian rhythm called Frekoba, slick keyboard hooks and a dance-style beat.
Kuku Ey A popular rhythm and song from Guinea with a hypnotic arrangement that features Jim Donica with a very sweet, Jaco-style bass solo! The lyrics loosly translate to mean: Are you ready to play Kuku on your drum? Yes. Let’s play Kuku, tell your friends to play Kuku on the drum.
Ayiko Ayiko This upbeat arrangement of one of my favorite Nigerian songs will have you on your feet and dancing. This is a great party song and features a rhythm called African Ibo. Jim brings it all together with a nice Calypso bass line.
Journey to Mali Set behind the 9/8 rhythm Koreduga, my dream to visit Mali is put into song with all the people and cities to visit. With a Peter Gabriel vibe and Robert Duncan’s Isley Brothers keyboard solo in the middle—you will love it.
Dance All Day Check out this world-beat, original dance tune with a Stevie Wonder clavinova feel that will get you shaking from side-to-side and throwing your hands in the air—this is a taste of what the next CD will sound like.
THE MUSICIANS:
Tom Foote: Lead Vocals, Djembe, Dunun, Drum Set, Balaphone, Percussion, Additional Keyboards, BGV's Robert Duncan: Keyboards, Lead Vocals, BGV's Kim "Kimmy Schwimmy" Duncan: BGV's Jim Donica: Bass Guitar Dan "A'Maiye" Foote: Additional Percussion
