More Consideration

Collection Contents

#		Title	Length
1		Mister Sinister	3:48	Play
2		Mama Don't Want No Gun	4:17	Play
3		Everybody (Tryin' To Get Buy)	5:32	Play
4		Root To The Fruit	5:29	Play
5		Late Night, Closed Eyes	4:31	Play
6		More Consideration	4:45	Play
7		Democrazy	3:27	Play
8		Trouble Come, Trouble Go	5:17	Play
9		Candela	4:10	Play
10		Gimme Yaya	8:41	Play

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Description

From New York's tangled streets comes Ray Lugo, a.k.a. KOKOLO, a sexy music cocktail for those in-the-know. As the world begins to take notice of the emerging afro-beat movement, KOKOLO (named after a Spanish Harlem slang term used to describe devout followers of afro music), has firmly established himself as one its premier innovators with the release of his critically acclaimed follow-up album, "More Consideration", which further expands his work with music that draws afro-beat lovers, funk heads, salsa aficionados and jazz connoisseurs alike.

Talk to KOKOLO, and the first thing one notices beyond his street-smart aura is his clear excitement when discussing music. "I left home at 13, and music was the family I never had, thus a wide range of styles always had a seat at my table". "My aim", explains Lugo, "Was to fuse the socio-political awareness of punk and the confidence of hip-hop with the sophistication of afro-beat, funk, Latin music and beyond...in order to create something unique based on my own experiences".

Known from CBGB's, to London's Jazz Cafe, to the main stage at the Montreal Jazz Festival as a world-class live act, KOKOLO takes the stage with sheer energy, bringing music back to the days of mavericks like Fela Kuti and Ruben Blades - when music addressed the unrest endemic to the common man. This man's music, always danceable, always grooving, has something to say as well.

So what's behind KOKOLO's fire?

In a recent interview with BBC Radio, Lugo expanded on this - "Evolution. As humans, we need to evolve from the deep ego-nomic, materialistic, spiritual and environmental problems that afflict us. Many so-called "revolutions" have been nothing but 360 degree turns that historically have left us in the same state, and often worse, in a classic case of "same wine, different bottle"."The fair and balanced distribution of information, education, natural resources and economic opportunities among all inhabitants of this planet is the key to our collective well -being over the long term".

KOKOLO came together in May 2001, when records by the likes of The Daktaris, Antibalas and others were proving the validity of afro-beat as a true musical alternative in New York City. Formed by Lugo and English trombonist Chris Morrow, they soon blossomed to eight core members, and within two months became mainstays at New York's legendary Knitting Factory, a venue known for its support of musical hybrids. Taking a page from Lugo's days in the Big Apple's DIY hardcore punk scene, they recorded their raw, urgent debut album "Fuss And Fight" after just a few shows together, under the shadow of the World Trade Center attacks.

The music attracted the attention of the cutting-edge Afrokings label, and the album saw its release in 2002. Shortly after, the group was invited to tour the U.K., where receptive audiences were treated to some truly electrifying performances.

"More Consideration", released on London taste-maker Adrian Gibson's Freestyle Records features guest appearances by some of today's most talented musicians, including guitar virtuoso Charlie Hunter (Disposable Heroes of HipHoprisy), drummer Jojo Kuo (Fela Kuti/Manu DiBango), keyboardist Greg Lewis (Sam Newsome/Chocolate Genius), bassist Gabe Roth (Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings/ Antibalas), and keyboardist Mike Weitman (Project Logic) among others.

In keeping with KOKOLO's open minded approach to experimentation, they recently completed a number of remixes for the song "Mister Sinister" with dance dons Faze Action (Femi Kuti, St. Etienne) which have found their way to club playlists from Singapore, Japan and New Zealand to Finland, Italy, South Africa and Brazil and are receiving support from some of the world's top DJ's such as Masters At Work, Osunlade, Francois K, Joe Claussell, Danny Krivit, Ron Trent, David Borsu, Mike Chadwick and many others.

Active involvement in social causes emphasizes KOKOLO's belief that music, more than just providing entertainment, can also serve as a tool for raising awareness and effecting change. They've contributed songs for causes ranging from relief for victims of Sudan's Darfur crisis (Afrobeat Sudan Aid Project) to environmental protection (One Love Vol. 1), and consistently perform benefit shows for a variety of social organizations.

Any listener can feel the energy on songs like "Mister Sinister" and "Candela". The music works because the insistent vamps insinuate their way into your feet and hips until the urge to move is undeniable. KOKOLO is truly New York City's music ambassador and cuts a wide cross-cultural swathe that hails the birth of the new universal sound.

Today, with a critically acclaimed album and a high-octane live show, KOKOLO is ready to bring it to the world...you've been warned.

-Stewart Killington