Barika is a six piece funky, dubbed out, psychedelic West African flavored band from Burlington, Vermont. The group is led by Craig Myers who, in addition to leading Barika on the N’Goni, is also a current member of Mike Gordon’s Band, and was one of the original founding members of Rubblebucket. He has performed alongside many artists and bands including Midnight, Toubab Krewe, Djeneba Seck, and John Brown’s Body. The rest of the band consists of Caleb Bronz (drums), Giovanni Rovetto (bass), Colin Lenox (keys,guitar), Chris Hawthorne (trumpet) and Matt Davide (baritone).
Barika will be releasing their highly anticipated third album When The Time Comes on February 17th, which was recorded over the past couple years at Egan Media Productions and The Drum Room. In their most realized band effort to date, one that truly captures the essence of West African, soul and psychedlica into a bold brew that retains focus, intrigue and undeniably stellar musicianship; Barika has created an underground classic. Guest vocalists include Daby Touré, Kat Wright, Matthew O’Brian, Stephanie Lynn Heaghney and Craig Mitchell.
Glide is proud to premiere “Sekou Blues” (below) a triumphant brass driven number that showcases Barika’s collaborative songwriting efforts, while creating a galvanizing mood among ts poignant lyrics.
“The song was named after my friend Sekou Kouyate from Mali, West Africa. We played a show together alongside his wife and bandmate Dieneba Seck, also from Mali. He is a great dessert blues guitar player and inspired the main groove of this song for me. I asked my friend Mathew O’Brian from the band Thunderbody to write some lyrics and sing on the track. Basically this song is speaking to the greed of the gas and oil industry and it’s direct connection and involvement in our government and lobbying/policy making,” describes Myers.
When the Time Comes is available now for preorder and the band will be performing a very special album release show at Nectars on February 17th.
Upcoming Barika Tour Dates
Feb 17 “When the Time Comes” Album Release Party w/ special guests!!! Burlington, VT
Mar 09 Nublu New York, NY
Mar 10 Funk N Waffles Downtown Syracuse, NY
Mar 31 Positive Pie Montpelier, VT
Apr 22 Rockwood Music Hall New York, NY
Apr 28 Portland House of Music Portland, ME
Apr 29 Nectars Burlington, VT
Aug 10 Summer Concert Series Montgomery, VT
