User:Wangaritrio

Fresh, Authentic, Inspiring, Exotic, Raw, Intimate... World Acoustic Music. Drawing from East African music, Jazz, Rock and Folk sounds. Wangari, Paul Thibeault and Gabriel Harris begun performing in house concerts and collaborating with NGO's in the San Francisco Bay area. Today they rise up to their success nationally. Known for their activism and powerful concerts.

Wangari is a 24 year old African songstress and humanitarian from Kenya. She begun performing at national festivals from the young age of 7. With her exceptional voice she became one of Kenya's leading vocalist. With Miriam Makeba as mentor, Wangari became an International artist performing under the umbrella of organizations such as UNESCO bringing awareness to the Rwanda genocide, Women rape in the Congo and tribalism issues in Africa. Wangari has been dubbed a voice for the voiceless and the new Mama Africa. She left Kenya in 2005. Her first album a 2006 release entitled "My love", was critically acclaimed in the Kenyan American community. In 2008 she met Neal Martin a jazz pianist who mentored her in American Jazz. She continued to perform jazz standards with the NH Jazz Society. Until she met musician Paul Thibeault. They both hit it off and worked to create her own brand of music. Blending Kikuyu and Swahili rhythms to those of western music. Their album a 2011 release entitled "Wangari Vol. 1" was an acoustic masterpiece highly regarded in the spiritual communities of CA. "Mtoto" a song about The children of War is one of her well known songs in this album it is also used by NGO's in the Sudan and Uganda.Her true professional career begun 2011 when she met mentor Joan Baez a singer, songwriter and activist. Wangari also begun working closely with Alan Abraham's. RCA Executive Producer and a 7 time grammy award winning producer.

Paul Thibeault was born in the Lakes Region of NH. Playing the nylon string and best known for his versatility and flow. His sophisticated ear, amazing freedom and eloquent compositions provide beautiful harmonies for Wangari's angelic vocals. He is previously known for his work as lead guitarist and composer for "Relevation" a reggae and rock band from Boston. Paul is rooted in Jazz. In 2004 he worked as a solo Jazz Chord guitarist as well as accompanying "Thunderbird" a NH based saxophonist. His true professional career begun when he met singer Wangari. As a guitarist and composer he found much freedom working with a International singer. Bringing his own Unique contribution to the World of Music. Paul's love for World music and Jazz allowed him to play African guitar and western guitar flawlessly while giving an electrifying live performance.

Gabriel Harris is an accomplished percussionist in the Bay area. He was born into an exceptionally musically and politically active family. Therefore Gabe has a unique understanding of the powerful role music plays in our lives. He is mostly known for his work as a Djembe master and founder of Rhythm Village. Using drumming to bring people together through corporate and institutional team building. As an educator and performer he continued working. In 2010 he met Wangari and Paul. Understanding, together with his deep connection to African Music. Led him to bring an outstanding rhythmical framework for Wangari Trio. A full body of work drawing from different cultures of the world. He carries great dynamics and will take you on a journey without borders. Wangari Trio is a must see!