On The Verge

Barika

Burlington, Vt.
Balancing Globetrotting Rhythms
www.facebook.com/barikamusic

Currently based in Vermont after having lived in Hawaii—while finding his true muse in Mali—percussionist/kamel n’goni player Craig Myers is quite the sonic globetrotter. While he was a member of the funk outfit Rubblebucket, Myers is perhaps best known for his work with Phish bassist Mike Gordon’s side project. He also leads a groove-based septet called Barika (pronounced body-ka), now in their second manifestation, which just released their debut CD. “Remember is about finding balance, looking back into tradition and our history,” Myers says of the album’s themes. “It’s about where things come from—never forgetting our roots—but not being afraid to move forward.” That sense of continual growth is present throughout the album that embraces many international flavors and exudes a distinct timelessness. Playing with Gordon’s band has also helped Myers’ improvisational skills, as he combines songcraft with a looser intuitive quality. “Mike is an amazing leader, always respectful and he puts you in charge of your role,” the percussionist says. “[Mike] says, ‘I want you to be you. I want you to be expressive and creative.’ He is always thinking from a place of possibilities.” With Barika’s recent debut, one gets the feeling that place is a continuing geographic and cultural study for the Myers.