ALUNE WADE AFRICAN FAST FOOD

Alune Wade’s versatile and deep-rooted touch on bass is slowly establishing him as a key ingredient inbringing new vigor to the African jazz scene. His career reaches a significant milestone with the forthcomingrelease of his fourth album African Fast Food. Much like his rich and diverse resume which includescollaborations with the likes of Marcus Miller, Salif Keita, Oumou Sangare, Bela Fleck, Bobby McFerrin, andlate Joe Zawinul, among others), this album gives listeners a wonderful mélange, bringing Africa and all othercontinents together through music.

African Fast Food puts bassist & vocalist Wade at the helm of a core ensemble of impressive playerscomprising of pianist and keyboardist Leo Genovese, who has toured internationally and recorded withbassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding; saxophonist Daniel Blake, who has also toured with Spalding and isknown for his work with Eric Harland and longtime collaborator Julian Lage; and renowned Afro-Cubanpercussionist Francisco Mela, who is a first pick musician among jazz legends like McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano,and Kenny Barron.

On African Fast Food, Wade fully explores the intrinsic and profound connection between African rhythmsand other global influences. On the title track, African Fast Food by no means suggests that it is a byproductof Senegal’s rich musical legacy (Youssou N’Dour, Ismael Lo & Baaba Maal). As suggested by Wade’slyrics, it is rather an invitation for all to partake and share in its wonderful bounty (“drink my [coconut] water”).

While the more groove-oriented tracks like Afua and Mali Den pay homage to his rich Dakar roots, BoisterousCity and How Many Miles allow Wade and his talented ensemble to “flex their muscles” so to speak,exploring jazz and all of the boundless possibilities for interpretation.