FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 2ND, 2003
Where's the 1? Productions

WORLD RENOWNED GYIL TRIO
BERNARD WOMA, VALERIE NARANJO, AND BARRY OLSEN
PERFORM ANCIENT KEYBOARD MUSIC OF GHANA
AT THE NEW YORK CITY ACOUSTIC AFRICAN MUSIC SERIES
FRIDAY JUNE 27TH, 2003

"Gyil music is to the ear as a kaleidoscope looks to the eye—a dazzling matrix of consistent yet ever-changing interlocking elements engaged in dynamic conversation."
--liner notes, Zie Mwea (Natural Conditions) Released 2000.

The sophistication and intricate beauty of gyil (Pronounced JEE-lee, or jeel) music is nowhere more apparent and moving than in the hands of its leading worldwide proponents, Bernard Woma, Valerie Naranjo, and Barry Olsen. Having played together for seven years, this trio has won critical acclaim from audiences worldwide. Where’s the 1? Productions is pleased to present Mr. Woma, Ms. Naranjo, and Mr. Olsen as the third installment of the New York City Acoustic African Music Series, continuing one of New York’s newest musical traditions by celebrating one of Ghana’s oldest.

The gyil is the national instrument of the Lobi and Dagara people of Ghana, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast. It is one of the grandparents of the mallet keyboard family, made from 14 wooden slats that are suspended, on a frame, over calabash gourds. Its sound is like the Western marimba, yet more "earthen" in character. Throughout West Africa the people believe that its "woody" sound comes from a vibration of water that physically balances the water in the bodies of humans and animals. Its music is music of community, healing, and spirituality, and it is played at all major events in the Lobi and Dagara nations. Though nearly every man knows a song or two, it is only certain people who have the necessary knowledge of the instrument and repertoire to be recognized as masters.

Bernard Woma is considered one of the foremost gyil masters worldwide. He is the lead drummer and solo gyil player of the National Dance Ensemble of Ghana, and he has traveled the world performing and teaching this music. Valerie Naranjo, a world-renowned multi-percussionist, has performed on six continents. She is the percussionist for NBC's Saturday Night Live Band and Broadway's Lion King, and she arranges for both groups. Her skills playing the gyil led to the declaration of a chiefly decree in the Dagara nation that women be allowed to play the instrument. Barry Olsen has performed with the top artists in the Latin music scene, including Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, and Ray Barretto. In 1996 Ms. Naranjo and Mr. Olsen took a "First Place" for their playing of gyil music in the Kobine Traditional Festival Competition in Lawra, Ghana, the first non-West Africans ever to do so.

For this June 27th concert of the Acoustic African Music Series, there will be two gyils, played primarily by Mr. Woma and Ms. Naranjo, and a kuar, a small calabash drum played by Mr. Olsen. The interplay between these instruments is equally stunning and mesmerizing, creating a true kaleidoscope of musical conversations. Following on the successes of the previous two concerts in April and May, Where’s the 1? Productions is honored to host these three master musicians at the Cornelia Street Café for what will surely be another memorable evening of music.

Where's the 1? Productions is dedicated to producing concert events that celebrate the community, harmony, and spirit of traditional African music. All shows are held at the Cornelia Street Café, 29 Cornelia Street between Bleeker and West 4th. Located at the West 4th subway stop, please call for reservations and information: 212-989-9319. Show-times are 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM, with doors opening 15 minutes prior. Tickets are $10 at the door plus a $6 drink minimum.

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