Those who have experienced the music of
DiggingRoots agree that they have witnessed something unique and
exceptional. Their self described style of "Odeimin Music" or heartbeat
music pulls the rhythm of this land base into a bold, moving, and at times,
defiantly honest voice. A history lesson has never been this stirring, and
uplifting. Clearly these two are making their mark as up and coming
innovative artists.
Raven and ShoShona have been playing together for seven
years, performing throughout Canada and places such as Hawaii, New Zealand
and Spain. The talented collaborators have played for festivals, conferences
and special events at venues such as; the Harbour Front Centre, Mariposa
Folk Festival, the launch of the new national Aboriginal Radio Station
"Aboriginal Voices Radio" at Healy's and the Apra Music Awards in New
Zealand. They continue to lend their talents to an array of diverse projects
from studio albums to film and video soundtracks to cultural and educational
recordings.
Performer, songwriter and artist ShoShona
Kish was born in Toronto, Canada. She is Anishinabekwe and of
mixed heritage . She is formally trained as a writer and musician and draws
on an array of roots, blues, jazz, world music and her Indigenous ancestry
in her crafty songwriting and vocalization. Her songs harness a powerful and
edgy voice that is earthy, ethereal and timeless. ShoShona strikes an
original chord reminiscent of artists the likes of
Nina Simone,
Ben Harper and Rickie Lee
Jones.
Guitarist-vocalist Raven Kanatakta
is fresh, expressive and clearly imaginative. Raven is a world class
instrumentalist who's playing credits the influences of
Son House, Jimi
Hendrix and the fervor of Charlie Mingus. Educated at the Berklee School
of Music, Raven applies slide techniques and finger-style guitar picking to
his obviously jazz-influenced accompaniments. From a smooth falsetto to a
deep, resonant baritone, Raven applies his vocal facility to the interesting
variety of his music.
Both Raven and ShoShona are accomplished performers and creators in their
own right. Together as DiggingRoots they generate a magical and natural
chemistry. They deliver a recording that you won't soon forget!
Raven Kanatakta, Shoshona Kish (acoustic guitar); Jordan O'Connor (upright
bass); Nick Fraser (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Shane Anthony (acoustic guitar); David Anthony, David
French (bass clarinet); Craig Harley (organ); Winona Polson-Lahache, Amanda
Greener, Melanie Baldwin, Christie Nelson (background vocals)
