Search - Rasheed Ali :: Rain People

This is a re-issue of the debut Rain People CD from Rasheed Ali originally released in Japan in 1994. Rasheed founded Rain People in 1992 as an instrumental group. The Caribbean-born musician was on a mission to create a modern blend of Caribbean Jazz with Caribbean musicians. The live show featured Rasheed Ali on keyboards backed by a 'percussion heavy' 8-piece band. Ali's mission was aided by the presence of a diverse group of Caribbean, South American and African musicians in his band. In 2001, Rasheed transformed the group's sound into a vocal group that celebrated more of the Caribbean's African Traditions. These days, Rasheed Ali & Rain People continue to evolve, the music features songs in Spanish, English, Portuguese & African languages. This debut CD still stands strong on its own merits of musical excellence and honesty. "A Seamless Blend of Tropical & Urban Flavored Jazz" Can a song be the wonder of a sudden summer storm on a hot tropical day or the joy of a cool summer shower? Rasheed Ali does it with the music of Rain People. The music, draws it's inspiration from that most amazing of experiences, the rain. A careful listener will hear the sound of the rain slick streets of the city, as well as the sound of the rain pounding on dusty hills around the world. Rasheed Ali counts New York City, where he attended the prestigious LaGuardia High School of Music & Art, as influential in his background. His music reflects the diversity & myriad influences that can be heard traveling from block to block in NYC. Rain People reflects the magic & mystery of New York & Los Angeles. Mixing sound and cultures to create music as unpredictable as the weather. The music of Rain People resounds with the power of a steel drum, or the sweet call of a moaning sax. Rain People brings the sensuality and magic of the Rain Forest to the ever expanding urban jungle around the world. By Bob Young, -KPFK Radio, L.A.