Angelique Kidjo to release first Live Album, SPIRIT RISING
Features Performances With Josh Groban, Dianne Reeves, Ezra Koenig and Branford Marsalis
Concert Airing On Public Television Stations Nationwide With Performance From the FELA! Dancers
Razor & Tie artist Angelique Kidjo will release her new live album, Spirit Rising, on February 21st 2012. The 16 track album was recorded in Boston when Kidjo partnered with Boston’s public television station, WGBH, for a captivating live performance featuring special guests Josh Groban, Dianne Reeves, Branford Marsalis, and Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend). The record features a collection of Kidjo originals and covers including the Curtis Mayfield classic “Move On Up.” Angelique Kidjo will tour the US in early 2012 (tour dates below).
Joining Kidjo on Spirit Rising is her band of highly accomplished musicians, including Christian McBride on upright bass (also on her last studio album OYO), Thierry Vaton (piano), Dominic James (acoustic and electric guitar), Daniel Freedman (drums), Magatte Sow (percussion) and Marvin Sewell (electric guitar). Also featured are a trio of horn players from Berklee College, the Borromeo String Quartet and the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College. The album showcases Kidjo’s breathtaking voice and exuberant spirit that can only be heard during one of her magical live performances.
“The special captures the African singer in fierce form…. Kidjo’s appeal cuts across not only genres, but also generations….. Kidjo proves she can rattle the rafters.”