Another accidental discovery is how I found Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun. This links to being a fan of the Dave Matthews Band. One of the band members, Rashawn Ross along with Lasko and Pun recorded a tribute song to the fallen dmb saxophonist LeRoi Moore. The song is titled One Moore Farewell and can be found on the album, Chioggia Beat. I found the video for the song on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-DiE8x6djc&feature=related and after watching/listening to it countless times, I decided to check out this dynamic duo.
Lasko and Pun are very unique. They play acoustically, Lasko a violinist and Pun a guitarist that blend various styles of music. They met in their last semester of college at the Berklee College of Music. They became friends and Jay told Morwenna about the music scene in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. In the fall of 2003 they both moved there and began playing music together. Mixing styles of Folk, Jazz, Rock, World Beat, Bluegrass, and Classical. To get an idea of the duo’s amazing musicianship check out The Wen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at-hEwOcFzA
Listening to Chioggia Beat I’m amazed by the quality of the music and the styles that are blended together. Most of the songs are acoustic but some vocals can be found in Mama, Kidane, and B-Loose. They have also added an upright bass and drums to form Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun Quartet. It is a new sound and one that should be listened to and appreciated. On their website it says “100 % Pure Music. No Artificial Ingredients Added.” I couldn’t agree more and I’m now a fan.
Key Tracks: Atip Ouypron, Koby’s Tune, Sheba’s Tea, Mama
Also check out the official website: http://www.mojamusic.net
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m really enjoying what I’ve heard so far. Thanks for introducing me to another band I might never have discovered on my own! The violin in “Koby’s Tune” is particularly beautiful.
Very nice piece, but one slight correction regarding their album title. It is actually Chioggia Beat, and not just Chioggia. But well done, and glad you discovered this dynamic duo.