Pascal Bokar connects his masterful song crafting and top notch musicianship with his West African roots and the American South in his latest AfroBlueGrazz album, American Trails.
Dr. Pascal Bokar Thiam is a passionate musician, scholar and author. His book, From Timbuktu to the Mississippi Delta, takes a dive into the three dominating empires that held power and influence over West African culture in the 6th century. The book traces these influences from West Africa into their emergence in the United States by way of the American South and it’s infamous and internationally appreciated Delta Blues.
Combining his unique cultural influences, his expanding depth of knowledge, and a deep passion for paying homage to the Ancestors in his modern day creations, Pascal Bokar delivers some of the most energizing, engaging, and jamming bluegrass sounds I have heard in a really long time.
Referring to this music as AfroBlueGrazz, Pascal and his team of masterful musicians throw Blues, Gospel, Bluegrass, Jazz, Funk and Afro influences into a massive cauldron to create a potent potion of passionately expressed musical compositions. These compositions also embrace history and culture through sound; a truly beautiful thing.
As Everytime I See You There jams on high volume, I find myself pausing to jump and bounce around my office. If you need a morning jolt of adrenaline and uplifting music, this song delivers. The entire album delivers. Pascal and his team deliver!!
Speaking of his team, let me shout them out real quick!
American Trails features the talents of: fiddler Blaine Sprouse (Bill Monroe, Alabama), bassist Tony Saunders (Eric Clapton & David Crosby, Gospel Hawkins Family), keyboardists Steve Carter (George Benson & Bobby Womack), Nate Ginsberg (Herbie Hancock, Larry Graham), percussionist Idrissa Gueye (Doudou Ndiaye Rose, Ballets of Senegal).
Pascal’s history, awards, accolades and recognitions are too numerous to discuss in this article. But when I say things like top notch musicianship and masterful song crafting, I truly mean it.
American Trails might be my new favorite album! It’s definitely my new favorite Blues/Bluegrass album. This things jams! And it jams hard!! (Also worthy of repeat listens.)
Listen to American Trails on Spotify.
Connect with Pascal Bokar on the official website.
