Strike Iron

Strike Iron
Millions of Voices

Release date: 11/20/2020

Slow & Steady Records partners with emerging Bay Area afrobeat band Strike Iron for the release of its debut recording, Millions of Voices. Strike Iron freely melds the highly danceable, horn-driven and politically-charged music of Fela Kuti and Tony Allen with elements of rock, fusion, odd time meters, as well as inspirations ranging from Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, the tonal colors of Gustav Mahler,  the poetry of Gary Snyder, and the visual beauty of artist Tom Killion. Afrobeat fans will also recognize the revolutionary artwork of longtime Fela Kuti-collaborator Lemi Ghariokwu on the album cover of Millions of Voices.

“We call our music ‘Grit,’” says multi-instrumentalist Michael Bello, bandleader and co-founder of Strike Iron. Formerly known as Albino, the band collectively renamed itself in 2017 to better align with its vision of musical openness, and strong messages of environmental, social, and political action. “When iron is heated, it can be molded into almost any object,” writes Bello. “Some might turn it into weapons, or objects for profit. But we, the majority, not the 1 %, can take that weapon, heat it up and mold it into something beautiful, something that can and should benefit everyone.” Throughout Millions of Voices, Strike Iron’s mission burns bright – to stand together in unity and work toward equality, to connect all through dance and music, and to use knowledge and traditions of the past to affect the present, so the future can flourish.

Millions of Voices is a powerful first statement from Strike Iron, fueled by the band’s twelve distinct voices, each representing the Bay Area’s rich funk and groove scenes. In addition to Bello (lead vocals, tenor saxophone, keyboards, percussion and effects), Strike Iron features percussionist Kim Agnew, trumpeter Chris Brown, baritone saxophonists Patrick Byers and Patrick Cress, trombonists Kelsey Howard and Liz Larson, guitarists Tom Lattanand and Michael Wynar, bassist Adam Lowdermilk, drummer Graham Roggli, conguero Jesse Weber. Millions of Voices might be summarized best by Sandra Izsadore, who worked closely with Fela Kuti in his formative years to help him hone his musical message, and is known among many as the “mother of afrobeat.” Upon hearing the album, Izsadore wrote:

“I didn't know what to expect. This is music for the serious, mature ear. I hear jazz, and afrobeat, with a touch of avarte expressions, coming back to add a classical touch while the undertones of the percussion keep you in the shade of Africa. And then just when you think you have it all in, here come the blues and a little funk.  This is truly music for the sophisticated ear, while the layman can still appreciate.”

Michael Mark Bello: lead vocals, tenor saxophone, keyboards, lead drum, shells, bells, metal bottle, railroad ties, water offering dripping, bowed bells, sound effects conception
Kim Agnew: Chekere, Percussion, Vocals
Chris Brown: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Patrick Byers: Baritone Saxophone
Patrick Cress: Baritone Saxophone
Kelsey Howard: Trombone
Liz Larson: Trombone
Tom Lattanand: Guitar
Adam Lowdermilk: Bass
Graham Roggli: Drum Kit
Jesse Weber: Conga, Percussion, Vocals
Michael Wynar: Guitar

All songs and lyrics written and arranged by Michael Mark Bello (BMI)
Published by Skabo Publishing
Produced by Michael Mark Bello and Patrick Byers
Recorded and Mixed by Scott McDowell
Mastered by Piper Payne
Recorded at Prairie Sun Studios, Cotati, CA
Executive Producers: Rebecca Thornborrow and Mark Bello
Cover Art: Ghariokwu Lemi
Graphic Design: Annette White
Studio Photography: Adrian Bello
Back Cover Photo: Cary Newman