(November 4, 2017) Human interaction is a major component of the human condition, and at one time musicians were required to perform with and play off other musicians to create music. Technology has altered that equation – often for better, but sometimes for worse. Synthesizers and computers can work magic in the hands of the right person. However, there’s something about an ensemble of instrumentalists coming together with someone possessing a powerful vocal instrument that gets the blood pumping – or at least my blood pumping. Rashada Dawan, singer and stage actress, knows this, and when she decided to make the move from the stage where she starred in stage version of “The Lion King,” among other things, she wanted the feel and sound of musicians and vocalists in the room together feeding off each other’s energy and creativity.
(November 4, 2017) Human interaction is a major component of the human condition, and at one time musicians were required to perform with and play off other musicians to create music. Technology has altered that equation – often for better, but sometimes for worse. Synthesizers and computers can work magic in the hands of the right person. However, there’s something about an ensemble of instrumentalists coming together with someone possessing a powerful vocal instrument that gets the blood pumping – or at least my blood pumping. Rashada Dawan, singer and stage actress, knows this, and when she decided to make the move from the stage where she starred in stage version of “The Lion King,” among other things, she wanted the feel and sound of musicians and vocalists in the room together feeding off each other’s energy and creativity.
She wanted some real live analog funk that featured kicking drums, pumping bass blaring horns and tight harmonies. She wanted a production that would be completely and unabashedly human, and that’s what Dawan creates, working with the group Ascendant, on a cut appropriately titled “Human Condition.” The tune is an inspirational joint about the all too human struggle of facing our fears and insecurities and overcoming them. “Human Condition” is the song we need right now both in terms of message and mode of delivery. Check it out. I’m sure you’ll agree.
By Howard Dukes
Rashada Dawan – “Human Condition”