Vuyani - The Dada Beat Project

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The Dada Beat Project

The Dadabeat CD Cover

Vuyani has been tapped to play bass for the Dada Beat project. The performances are in support of the recent release of the Dada Beat CD. In addition to local Chicago area performances, the Dada Beat has been heard on U.S. and European radio stations. Future performances include showcases and festivals. Please visit the band's myspace page for upcoming performance dates.

Guitarist David Effgen

Electric & accoustic guitarist David Effgen is the founder, composer and leader of the Dada Beat project. It is his compositions and arrangements that inspire what has evolved to be the Dada Beat project. Although David Effgen cut his teeth in the New York music scene, a sensitivity for music from other cultures comes across in his compositions.

In addition to being Dada Beat's creative force, Effgen intuitively chose musicians who bring diverse backgrounds and unique voices to his music. The result is a fusion of ideas, personalities and cultures which produce dynamic live performances. David is also a member of the Compass Rose Quintet.

Bassist Vuyani Wakaba

Vuyani Wakaba lends his musical vision to the Dada Beat project through his bass playing. He brings a strong sense of rhythm to the music. In addition to his role as bassist, Vuyani also brings his evolving soloing voice to the project. When combined with the drummer's parts, Vuyani's basslines help to form a formidable rhythm section.

Vuyani's musical philosophy is: "No matter what style the song is, it's got to groove!" This philosophy often has Vuyani digging through a variety of musical styles for grooving basslines. Genres do not limit Vuyani when performing with the Dada Beat. Vuyani is also a member of the 5 Aftr 5 Jazz Trio. He can often be found as a freelance bassist performing around the Chicago metro area.

Drummer Chris Edwards

Filling the drummer's position in the Dada Beat is Chris Edwards. Chris brings originality, creativity and strong improvisational skills to the project. He deftly orchestrates the band's performances from his trap set or conga drums. During the performances of the Dada Beat, Edwards often incorporates elements of jazz, R&B, funk, and gospel.

Chris Edwards' ability to effortlessly cross genres provides a solid anchor for the band. At times, Chis will super-impose different rhythms over what the rest of the musicians are playing, thus giving the listener a rich collage of musical and rhythmic entertainment. In additions to playing with The Dadabeat, Chris Edwards is a member of the 5 Aftr 5 Jazz Trio. Chris teaches drums and has been published in Modern Drummer Magazine.

Saxophonist Herman Reyes

Saxophonist Herman Reyes brings a strong jazz improvisational background to the band. Herman also plays flute and can often be seen playing an assortment of percussion instruments at Dada Beat performances. His horn offers a natural counterpoint to David Effgen's melodic or rhythmic guitar playing style.

Herman's Puerto Rican heritage offers him a dep well of rhythmic ideas. His main instruments of choice are the tenor saxophone and the soprano saxophone. Herman keeps a sizable roster of saxophone and flute students. When not playing with The Dadabeat or teaching, Reyes may sometimes be seen performing as a member of Safe Sax, a Chicago swing group.

Percussionist Atiba Y. Jali

Atiba Y. Jali is the percussionist for the Dadabeat. Atiba is also a member of the Compass Rose Quintet. He leads BUSA - an African drum, dance, and storytelling ensemble. He is a master drummer, performer and teacher of various african instruments which include the djembe drum, the kalimba, bataphone, berim-bau, shekere, yidake, and harp. This gifted multi-instrumentalist has also recorded extensively on guitar, bass, keyboards, and saxophone, as well as a full range of percussion instruments. As the owner of Sound Creations recording and production studio, he has produced and composed music for Chicago artists, television, radio, theater, and indipendent film. Atiba's lates solo percussion CD is titled "karibu", and it is available at Sound Creations, P.O. Box 1101, Oak Park, Illinois 60304 - Ph: 773.626.6088.

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