(October 21, 2009) - It’s the congas drums, the base-line, timbale and hand-held cow bell that make “the beat” and create the rhythm felt by go-go, a genre of music uniquely produced and distributed in Washington, D.C.Many outside of the District have not had the occasion to experience go-go first hand, but Kip Lornell and Charles C. Stephenson have brought the music to life in The Beat Go-Go Music from Washington, D.C.
The Beat does well to expand the knowledge of go-go music lovers and deepen the historical awareness of Black music connoisseurs. For the novice music aficionado, this book offers a trip by way of words and images through the past, present and future of go-go music.
Throughout history, literature, photographs and videos have provided future generations with an understanding of many Black experiences. Lornell and Stephenson have seen to it that the foundations of go-go music are not left untold. They have shared the sentiments of past storytellers burdened with the task of preserving the history of Black people.
Stephenson, a political and cultural activist and the original manager of band Experience Unlimited (EU), knows personally about the creations of go-go music. Having witnessed it evolve as manager of one of go-go’s first bands, he rallied to tell the genre’s story. Click here to read more on the AFRO.com
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