photo by Geoff Thompson
Gina Ferrera - gyil, vocals, drums, percussion, mbira, shekere, electronic beat programming, production, engineering
photo by Valerie Frossard
The album represents a bold presentation; the fusion of gyil with other global-inspired instrumentation and musical elements. Each track introduces the gyil to creative & innovative horizons of unclassified world music. It captures a unique world-music historic moment, blending the gyil, with bata, rumba, samba, middle-eastern rhythm, tabla, electronic dance rhythms, traditional elements, and incorporating mbira music from Zimbabwe with gyil. This project gives birth to musical and cultural phenomena; a dialogue between cultures in the form of music.
“Gyil Fusion” celebrates the awareness of various cultural music and networks together a community of Philadelphia artists. Playing an instrument like the gyil, is about taking risks in making the old, new again. This original project captures the essence of “gyil” in a modern and creative-musical setting and has an impact by representing peace and cultural unity, through music. To the Dagara, Lobi and Birifor people, gyil music, dance and society, is a collective experience that binds people together. This “collective sensibility” acts as a model, for establishing a sense of community in Western society. Indirectly, the project attempts to bridge the gap between cultures that crave alternate outlets for healing through music, culture, expression and creativity. This gyil fusion project plays an active role among Philadelphia's “world-music” community, creating a model for cultural musical exchange.
A charmingly naive gem of a record. The album captures the essence of African rhythm, while expressing her own vocal style and artistic approach.
Upon meeting Gina Ferrera, the first thing you'll notice is her infectious energy & enthusiasm. It permeates every aspect of her dialogue, mannerisms and view of the world. Yes, the lady is alive! The second thing you'll notice is the sincerity with which she goes about crafting her music.
It's about the gyil. Well, it is for Gina Ferrera. It's the centre of her first CD, Blended Beat (engine-studios), where she mixes the xylophone-like Ghanaian instrument with guitars, basses, drums and sax, and weaves her voice into the mix to create a remarkably beguiling whole with a wonderfully innocent sound.