WORD-BEAT is Charles Williams and Tom Teasley
WORD-BEAT combines the artistry of singer/ actor Charles Williams and global-jazz percussionist Tom Teasley in programs featuring the inspirational texts of such authors as Langston Hughes and Nelson M [+]WORD-BEAT is Charles Williams and Tom Teasley
WORD-BEAT combines the artistry of singer/ actor Charles Williams and global-jazz percussionist Tom Teasley in programs featuring the inspirational texts of such authors as Langston Hughes and Nelson Mandela as well as African folk songs. All are accompanied by inventive percussive rhythms and melodies. The duo has performed their critically acclaimed melding of music and voice at prestigious venues and before academic audiences in the U.S. and Europe. Williams and Teasley achieve a true marriage of ancient melody and future sounds, of Africa, the West and beyond. They have recently added a program featuring the 12th century mystic poet Rumi accompanied by Tom’s original music and inspired by Middle Eastern cultures. Timeless world rhythms evoked by Teasley’s masterful blend of ethnic percussion and cutting-edge electronics underscore traditional verse delivered in spirited performance art mode by Williams. The two artists, each successful in their own right are both are dedicated educators presenting concerts and clinics throughout the world.
In this their second CD, WORD-BEAT presents an enthralling performance entitled "The Soul Dances." Drawing heavily on various African proverbs and traditional African-American spirituals, WORD-BEAT delivers ancient wisdom wrapped in powerfully percussive grooves and uplifting melodies. This second WORD-BEAT offering is a triumphant celebration of the human spirit in both song and verse, underscored by Teasley’s coloristic approach to the drum set and a variety of hand percussion instruments from around the world together with Williams’ deep, commanding baritone vocals they make a joyful noise that stirs deep emotions and heavy thoughts as it invites us to get up on the goodfoot…” Bill Milkowski
The duos’ first CD, "Poetry, Prose, Percussion and Song," vitally interprets the moving words of Langston Hughes and James Weldon Johnson with spirituals from the Deep South and additional narratives that seek to explore the rich depths of the human heart.
CHARLES WILLIAMS
Louisiana-born artist Charles Williams has won international acclaim since his opera debut at the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. He has performed in theaters and opera houses, and for
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