By Daily Press staff
Tonight is a night to funk it up at the pier. Two bands playing tonight as part of the Twilight Dance Series will offer just about every assortment of sounds, including funk, jazz, and rock, blended with cultures of Latin, Caribbean and African American music.
The Israeli/Ghanaian world music, ambient, trip-hop, African-dub ensemble “Ex-Centric Sound System” is the result of many journeys, a chance meeting and a gathering. Founder and band leader Yossi Fine — the world respected bassist who has toured, played and recorded extensively with such diverse artists as Stanley Jordan, Lou Reed, and Gil Evans — has been fascinated by the shared origins of African, Latin, Caribbean and African- American music.
Grounded by dubby bass lines and enriched by authentic African instrumentation and chant, Ex-Centric Sound System’s music reflects the common thread of black music, whether it’s from Africa or the Caribbean, England or Jamaica, New York or LA. Expect sounds from the flute, kalimba, traditional drums, balafon, bullhorn, and trap drums.
The other band, “Delta Nove” is a six-piece band from Long Beach committed to the continuous evolution of music. Never satisfied to lock into a single genre, Delta Nove explores the synthesis of sound and texture through a blend of funk, Samba, jazz, Afro-beat and rock. Drawing from a rich pool of musical training and diverse instrumentation, the group fuses many styles into one funky powerhouse that delights audiences everywhere they go. Expect sounds from the guitar, vibraphone, steel drum, congas, percussion, saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet and bass.
The free concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 2.
The pier strongly recommends walking, biking or riding the Big Blue Bus to the concerts, as parking on the pier is limited. A free shuttle is available from the 2030 Barnard Way lot south of the pier starting at 6 p.m. each Thursday.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 29, 2004. Read the original PDF.