“There are three things you have to do as a professional performer,” said kora-player and singer Seckou Keita during SUBA Trio’s concert at the Chan Centre (March 13). “One, make the audience smile. … Two, make the audience dance. … Three, make the audience cry. Tears of joy!” While I may not have cried, I couldn’t help smiling and dancing throughout this dynamic and cross-cultural event. SUBA Trio—Seckou Keita, Omar Sosa and Gustavo Ovalles—delivered a memorable night that left the audience buzzing and eager for more.
As the lights dimmed, one’s eyes were drawn to the various instruments on stage: a keyboard, piano, kora and endless percussion instruments. Over the keys, strings and drums, Seckou Keita’s voice was impeccably smooth, and his passionate expressions signalled a deep connection with the songs’ lyrics. The Senegalese musician also played the kora (a West African 21-stringed instrument played by plucking with the fingers) with such ease and comfort that, at times, it seemed the instrument was playing itself. Keita acted as the group’s frontman, addressing and leading the audience through lively sing-alongs and call-and-response breaks.
Photo: Jon Razinger
Between songs, pianist Omar Sosa played dreamy and romantic transitions. The second piece in particular lulled the listener into an introspective state, aided by the dark and distraction-free environment. A four-time Grammy-nominated composer and pianist, Sosa is undeniably talented. He played an acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes and occasionally made beats with—what appeared to be—bells attached to his ankles. Adding to the fun and interactive element of the show, Sosa led the audience in a clapping pattern that required ample focus to achieve.
Though Keita and Sosa were the night’s headline acts, I was most impressed with Gustavo Ovalles. The Venezuelan percussionist played a variety of instruments including maracas, quitiplás, bongos and even water. His sense of rhythm was always precise and accurate, offering a steady foundation for the Trio as he switched seamlessly between percussion instruments.
Photo: Jon Razinger
As a whole, SUBA Trio demonstrated a kind of unity often found between longtime friends. They seemed to predict each other’s thoughts, matching shifts in energy and volume. Their instruments acted as extensions of their bodies as they played effortlessly and without misstep. By the end of the night, I felt newly energized. We left the venue singing the tunes we learned together, clapping our hands and sharing grins. If you have the pleasure of hearing SUBA Trio, I encourage you to get up, dance and feel the connection in the room.
For upcoming events at the Chan Centre, visit www.chancentre.com
www.seckoukeita.com
www.gustavo-ovalles.com/en/
