Tomas Doncker Band’s Power Of The Trinity… A Slight Return Vol 1 has been among the best years best releases, at least it will be once it it reaches the public this September 11 th, (Ethiopian New Year) though it is currently available for streaming. before that there is to be a release party at The Blue Note on Monday, September 9th 2013. Vol 1 is a funky bash of agit-prop, a loud, powerful rock and roll that takes you one from one end of its six songs to the the other without cessation of energy and beauty.
All good reasons to buy the EP the moment you can. But here is another. As Tomas clearly states: “all money from sales of this album go to the Studio Samuel Foundation” Tomas Doncker is Global Ambassador at Studio Samuel Foundation, who we’ve written about before. But let’s explain a little more thoroughly what they do, this is from their mission statement: “The 1Hundred Girls Impact Plan aims to reach over 100 Ethiopian young women in 2013, inclusive of education, HIV awareness, healthcare, self-defense training, financial advising, career counseling, mentoring and community groups, directly arming these young women with necessary tools for the next phase of their lives”
I have been pals with Tomas for a year though it is worth noting that a love of the music comes first because if you are panning the sound not many people are gonna wanna talk to you. Still, I wanted something more precise as to an explanation why he would make this move. Here is his response to my questions:
1. How did you become affiliated?
During the PR campaign for Last year’s “Power of the Trinity” CD release,SummerStage & Summer fest shows Sarah Landy(Head of. Sony/Red PR) brought Studio Samuel Foundation to my attention. She then introduced me to SSF founder Tamara Horton.
I was excited and impressed by the work they were doing: Empowering young Women (many of whom have “aged out” of the orphanage system in Addis Abbaba).Things were a bit hectic for me at the time,but I kept the foundation in mind. Other artists affiliated with Studio Samuel Foundation include: Cyndi Lauper, Ethiopian Mega-star Gigi,and young Jazz Lioness Esperanza Spaulding.
2. Why this charity?
We got quite a bit of “Buzz” from the “Power of the Trinity” CD & Shows. I realized that this “Global Soul” idea was Just starting-that I had only scratched the surface of what seemed positive and possible about it. So,I called Bill Laswell to chat and ask advice. He said that any good record could have 3 or 4 relevant versions,and that I should dig deeper in the same direction.
That’s where the idea of “Power of the Trinity…A slight return”(The Global Soul Mixtape) Vol.1 came from. The desire to dig deeper.
Then I realized…So What!!! It’s still not enough. What do I “DO” with this thing. That’s when I remembered Studio Samuel Foundation. I thought that perhaps if the music could be used for something good,something positive and uplifting…well,isn’t that what Global Soul is about? I contacted Sarah Landy. It turned out that she had just been named to the board of directors of Studio Samuel. Tamara,Sarah & I met. They felt they music would certainly help to raise awareness, and I was named “Ambassador” for the foundation. A title that I am truly honored to have. So,we move forward.
3. Are you saying …slight return is non-profit album?
All proceeds from the sale of this music go to Studio Samuel Foundation.
4.Do you feel this is reflected in the music?
As far as what we would like people to get from what we are doing is concerned,I think the following quotes sum it up best: “We must become members of a new race,overcoming petty prejudice,Owing our allegiance not to nations,but to Our fellow men within the human community” -H.I.M. Haile Selassie I
“Global Soul: The sound of our collective conscience. The unified rhythm of heart beats creating a positive,spiritually uplifting force for good. Musically speaking it is not genre specific,but in fact genre inclusive. It is the best of what we have to offer to each other, from Brooklyn to Ethiopia,and every where inbetween” – Tomas Doncker & The True Groove/Global Soul Family.
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