Militia Hill is proud to announce the official release date of Bakithi Kumalo’s “Electric Flow” featuring Dacia Gypsy on freestyle vocals and Maxfield Gast on flute and saxophones. This single is the precursor to Bakithi’s full length album due out in 2021. Electric Flow is an eclectic combination of lyrical melody and edgy rhythms. Written and produced by Kumalo and Gast, they cast a modern shade on this mostly instrumental music creating a new genre - Trap Jazz. Electric Flow is a swirling of intertwined bass melodies accompanied by rich layers of saxophone and flute- very much the frosting on the cake. Grammy nominated songwriter and producer Jeremy Grenhart lends his soulful harmony and one of a kind voice on Fender Rhodes. (As heard on the The Roots “How I Got Over”) Biodun Kuti, Nigerian guitarist and member of Paul Simon’s touring band, and Rodney Harris, NY studio drummer and touring musician, complete the foundation of this musical concoction that truly takes the listener on an exciting journey.
Electric Flow is now available on all streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and Deezer. Purchase the single here.
Bakithi Kumalo was born in the Soweto township of Johannesburg, surrounded by relatives who loved music and actively performed. He got his first job at the age of seven filling in for his uncle's bass player. Kumalo worked as a session musician in South Africa during the 1970s and early 1980s, eventually becoming a top session bassist and accompanying international performers during their South African tours.
In 1985, Kumalo was introduced to Paul Simon by producer Hendrick Lebone during the sessions for Simon's Graceland album. Kumalo traveled with Simon to New York to finish the sessions, and after the accompanying concert tour spent several years commuting between Soweto and New York City before permanently settling in the United States. Kumalo has toured regularly with Simon since then. He has also released several solo records, and continued to perform as a session and touring musician with artists such as Joan Baez, Cyndi Lauper, Chaka Khan, Grateful Dead, Herbie Hancock, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Brecker, Grover Washington Jr., Mickey Hart and many more.
Personnel:
Bakithi Kumalo: 6 String Kiesel bass, piccolo bass, Roland Aerophone Wind Synthesizer, percussion
Dacia Gypsy: freestyle vocals
Maxfield Gast: Alto saxophone, flute
Jeremy Grenhart: Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer Electric Piano
Biodun Kuti: guitar
Rodney Harris: Drums
Production Credits:
Written & Produced by Bakithi Kumalo & Maxfield Gast
Executive Produced by Bakithi Kumalo
Arranged & Edited by Maxfield Gast
Additional editing by Jason Kronick
Mixed by Adam Tilzer
Mastered by Matt Kilmer
Recorded at Kumalomusic Studio BK in Bethlehem, PA.
and Militia Hill(TM) Studio, North Wales, PA.
Album Design by Jane Eger, Bradley Gast and Maxfield Gast
Back cover photo by Jim Lennon
Special thanks to Bakithi Kumalo artist Endorsements:
PJB Amp, Labella Bass Strings, Cordial Cable, Ultimate Ears
