Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician and multi-instrumentalist originally from Cameroon. He blends Latin and African styles to create his own jazz, pop, and soul sounds.
He will be performing at the Edmonton International Jazz Festival, as the leader of the Richard Bona Trio. Before that, he will be Lark Clark’s guest on World Spinning on Sunday, June 15.
“I have wanted to talk with Richard Bona for twenty years, or more,” says Lark Clark. “I’ve played him on every show that I have had on CKUA, starting on Radio Mondo back in 2000. When I saw that he was going to be at the Edmonton Jazz Festival, I thought, this is my chance.”
The conversation between Clark and Bona covers a lot of topics, including Bona’s early days in Cameroon. “I’m very interested in traditional African music, as you know, and Cameroon is such a fascinating place.” The many distinct musical styles of Cameroon shaped Bona, who grew up in a tiny village. His original instrument was the balafon, a gourd-resonated xylophone. Clark notes that Bona played this before he ever played the guitar.
“He made his first guitar when he was 7 years old, and he was a professional musician by the time he was 14. It was a thrill to be able to talk to him, and to hear his stories about growing up in a traditional village in Africa, and how he became an international star, traveling the world.”
Clark says, “In the music of Richard Bona, you’re going to hear international jazz, and you’re also going to hear those African roots.”
Hear Lark Clark’s conversation with Richard Bona during World Spinning, June 15, 4pm – 6pm MT.
Richard Bona will lead a clinic at 3:30 pm on June 25 as part of the Edmonton International Jazz Festival. This event is open to anyone who wants to learn, observe, or jam. It is a ticketed event, so get your tickets in advance!
Richard Bona Trio will play Jazz Club at Chateau Lacombe on June 25, as part of the Edmonton International Jazz Festival.
Tickets for both of these events can be found at edmontonjazz.com
Richard Bona will also play the Martha Cohen Theatre in Calgary’s Arts Commons on June 26. Find information here.
Richard Bona performs “Sweet Mary (Everyone Has A Choice).”
