Feet of Clay Bottomland By Linette Tobin

The first CD of Bottomland, a largely native D.C. group influenced by popular D.C. traditions such as funk, go-go, gospel, soul, and rhythm-and-blues, consists of all-original tunes written by individual group members or in-group collaboration. Bottomland pursues and successfully achieves an "organic" sound by utilizing a capella voices, hand percussion and claps, flute, and acoustic piano. The group also seeks to incorporate world rhythms, as demonstrated on the final track, "Sunlight Underwater," which is constructed around a traditional Cuban batá rhythm (ichachalekufun), in this case played on congas, and accompanied by a Lucumí chant to the Yoruba deity of Elegguá. Feet of Clay showcases the powerful voice of Amikaeyla Proudfoot Gaston, complemented by that of Wendy Lanxner. Floating flute riffs, trumpet, violin, and the flugelhorn are also tastefully featured. The lyrics, again all scribed by members of the group, are straight from the heart and touch on such themes as peace, freedom, hope, and unity. Infused with uplifting energy, this CD, in short, is a celebration of music.

music is my reverie
on notes I fall and fly
prisms of my soul in song

Midnight Blue
Amikaeyla P. Gaston