"If someone dies in the desert today, who's the criminal?" "If a dream is laid to waste by snakes and vultures, who's the criminal?". The Key Ingredients of African Soul performing a song by Tucsonan Ted Warmbrand. Additional lyrics/Music arrangement- M. Olson. Additional lyrics in Part 2- "Ralph Brown" (not his real name). Mike “Doc Twang” Olson- Lead and backing vocals, Guitars, Marimba and Percussion, "Ralph Brown- Lead and backing vocals, Ryan Brock- Drums, Joe Whitley- Congas, Benjamin Daniels- Bass, Jeff Simpson- Marimba and backing vocals, Ricardo Peron- Trumpet.

Who's The Criminal Here?

I dedicate this album to the man who inspired its inception, Dr. Thomas Mapfumo. Thank you, Mukanya! This is the song that initiated this project. Rooted in a traditional Mbira/Chemurenga groove that Thomas himself and his guitarist Gilbert Zvamaida shared with me, we decided to make it a tribute to Mukanya and his clan. Featured guests are Mono Mukundu, John Gumbo and Patience Mudeka. Lyrics- Praise Zenenga, Music- M. Olson. Praise Zenenga- Lead and backing vocals, Patience Mudeka- Additional lead and backing vocals, Mike “Doc Twang” Olson- Rhythm Guitar, Marimba and backing vocals, John Gumbo- Lead Guitar, Mono Mukundu- Rhythm Guitar, Ryan Brock- Drums, Joe Townend- Bass, Joe Whitley- Hosho, Jeff Simpson- Marimba and backing vocals, Kuumba Piazza- Backing vocals.

Gwenyambira feat. Patience Mudeka, Mono Mukundu and John Gumbo

The Key Ingredients of African Soul's latest CD release!

Spirits, Rise Up!

Fade Away

Nguva Ichakwana, Shuwa Ichakwana

I'll Never Understand

Zvakanaka

Ashes

Yarira

Plant A Seed Now!

Lost Treasures- Svoto

Lost Treasures - Svoto

Push Pull People

This is a cover of Tshala Muana's big Soukous hit. When I heard the original recording, I knew I had to learn this song. Not surprising, every band I have had has wanted to learn and perform this song.

"Lwa Touye" (Tshala Muana cover by G-Force Project)

A skeleton crew from Pulse once laid down a song of sadness and dashed hopes.
Steve Kemble on drums, Tom Fetter on keys and Doc Twang (Mike Olson)on guitar, bass and vocals; also author of the song.

Sand

Written by Mike "Doc Twang" Olson and on the 1996 Pulse album titled "Calling All World Citizens". Guest appearance by Jim Lipson on the spoons. Otherwise featuring the crew (at that time) from Pulse; Andrew Lehman on guitar and vocals, Tom Fetter on keyboards and vocals, Steve Kemble on drums and vocals, Sloan Morris on bass, Barbara Bird on percussion and vocals and Arturo Rodriquez on percussion. Mike 'Doc Twang" Olson on guitar and lead vocals.

"Three Wishes"

 
For three decades, Michael J. Olson aka Doctor Twang has been dedicated to music and dance as vehicles for communication and the sharing of cultures, ideas and ideologies between nations, communities and individuals.   Instrumentality, Michael plays guitar, bass, djembe, congas and many other drums and percussion instruments including marimba, berimbao, and kalimba. As both a student and a performer of traditional and popular music and dance from Africa and the African Diaspora, Olson has studied and/or collaborated with many internationally respected musicians and dancers including: Ojeya-Cruz Banks, Abdou Kounta, Aziz Ahmed, Denise Bey, Ladji Camara, Arturo Rodriquez, Eno Washington, Abdou Dumbia, Caramba Dioubate, Guillermo Fás, Amadou Dembele, Rasaki Aladokun, Albert Nyathi and Imbongi, and the Bulawayo Kwela Kings. He has also written and arranged music for Arami Robinson (Nigeria) and Emanuel Ayafor (Cameroon), Bassirima Soro (Cote d’Ivoire), Tafadzwa Matamba and Praise Zenenga (both from Zimbabwe). Bands with which he is or has been associated have opened up concerts for King Sunny Ade, Kanda Bongo Man, Baba Maal, Lura, Queen Ida, Eek a Mouse, Zulu Spear, O.J. Ekemode, Toubab Krewe, Baba Ken Okulolo and the Afro-Groove ConneXion, Khaira Arby and, most recently, Tinariwen.
In addition to years of supporting the traditional drum and dance community as a musician, Olson has directed or co-directed; The World Music Ensemble Pulse, The G-Force Project, Batucaxé and the Key Ingredients of African Soul.    
	In early 2008, what began as a series of lunchtime jams resulted in the creation of The Key Ingredients of African Soul, a coalition of many talented musicians from Africa and the USA. Playing music from Africa and beyond, with Doctor Twang as their primary music arranger, the Key Ingredients of African Soul are the latest and most impressive evolution of  a musical vision which began over thirty years ago. 

Popular tracks by Doc Twang