TANASI has released a video sample of their upcoming album, in the form of a set of songs they adapted from music they learned from South African slide guitarist Hannes Coetzee.
A trio that focuses on a hybrid style they term “worldgrass,” TANASI consists of experienced acoustic, folk, old time, and bluegrass artists Billy Cardine, Anya Hinkle, and Mary Lucey. It’s a slightly unorthodox combo, with Billy on reso-guitar, Anya on guitar and vocals, and Mary on bass, clawhammer banjo and vocals, but their many combined years in genre bending and blending have provided a unique perspective on the Appalachian sounds that brought them all in to music.
They insists that their efforts are not based simply on novelty, but on finding beauty in sharing musical traditions found across the globe. Hence, worldgrass. The view is expanding the reach of Appalachian-inspired sounds all over the planet.
Cardine described how this first single, Mahalla / Let’s Hold On, evolved from an evening session while they were traveling in Africa, and chanced to be jamming with Hannes Coetzee.
“Each night, Coetzee and his travelling companion, influential South African singer, songwriter, playwright, and director, David Kramer, would stay up sharing songs until sunrise, teaching Mary to sing in Afrikaans, and teaching me traditional melodies on the dobro.
With Coetzee’s blessing, Mary added lyrics and a complementary vocal melody to the song he’d taught us, capturing the ache of travel, connection, and saying goodbye too soon and too often.”
With the addition of bassist Cody Wright, here’s a look at TANASI, and a listen to Mahalla / Let’s Hold On.
Mahalla / Let’s Hold On is available now from popular download and streaming services online.
Pre-orders for the debut, self-titled album from TANASI are being handled via a Kickstarter campaign. As is the custom, a variety of donor rewards are offered, including pre-release downloads, signed CDs, songbooks, T-shirts, and all sorts of similar items, up to and including private lessons, weekend retreats with the group, and a live concert at your home.
See full details online.
