Everybody Loves the Sunshine (Mausiki Scales & Common Ground feat. Roy Ayers

Roy Ayers, lead vocals

Mausiki Scales, Fender Rhodes Electric piano, synthesizer

Ingrid Sibley, Background vocals

Brenda Moorer, Background vocals

Aliyah Ali, Background vocals

Julie Dexter, Background vocals

Dashill Smith, Background vocals, Trumpet

Daryll Reeves, Background vocals, piano

Ali Barr, Flugel horn

Kebbi Williams, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones

J’Piccola Faust, Guitar

Steve Lake, Guitar

Reginald Starling, Bass

Kenton Bostick, Drums



Arrangement: Ayers & Scales ©2014

EveryBody Loves the Sunshine (AfroBeat)

Mausiki Scales, keyboardist and founder of the Atlanta-based Afrobeat/Funk ensemble, Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective, returns with “Nana Afrika,” the first single from his upcoming album, Long Memory [ B-side “My People”]. Vocalists on the single include the talented Sandra Izsadore, Ọyanikẹ Miller, Milkah Sadiki-Yisrael, Giohnah El and Shawna Floyd. “Nana Afrika” also highlights the extraordinary musicianship of Quinn Mason, Charles “LC” Williams, Alex Jones, Eugene VI, Ahsa Ahla, DeWayne Martin and Xavier Jones.

An Afrobeat ode to Pan Afrikan women warriors and freedom fighters, “Nana Afrika” invokes women like Nzingha, Ida B. Wells and Nanny of the Maroons, celebrating their fierceness and traditional wisdom. Scales offers a unique and refreshing take on Afrobeat that celebrates its Diasporan connection.

The single features spoken word by LA activist and singer, Sandra Izadore. Izadore is renowned for her critical role in the birth and development of Afrobeat. In addition to inspiring Fela Kuti’s revolutionary Black consciousness, Izsadore is the only singer ever credited on a Fela album. She delivered lead vocals on Fela’s 1976 hit, “Upside Down,” a tune Scales and the Common Ground Collective keep in heavy rotation during their live performances.

Personnel:

Sandra Izsadore, spoken word
Ọyanikẹ Miller, spoken word
Mia Lewis (Giohnah), vocals
Milkah Sadiki-Yisrael, vocals
Shawna Floyd, vocals
Talibah Mbonisi, outro spoken word
Mausiki Scales, Electric piano, whistles, talking drum, agogo bell, clavé, shekeré (music, lyrics & arrangement)
Quinn Mason, Tenor saxophone solo
Eugene IV, Alto saxophone, additional keys
DeWayne Martin, Baritone saxophone
Charles “LC” Williams, Trombone for ThaCizzle Music
Alex Jones, Guitar
Xavier Jones, Bass
Ahsa Ahla, Congas, percussion

Produced by Mausiki Scales & Daz-I-Kue.
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Darren Benjamin /Daz-I-Kue (4 I-Kue Production, Atlanta/Nashville)
Additional recording by Steve Waide at Itchy Brain Recording Studio
Artwork & Layout: Larmarrous Shirley

Nana Afrika

My People

Mausiki Scales, Electric piano, whistles, percussion (music, lyrics & arrangement)
Eugene IV, Alto saxophone, additional keys
DeWayne Martin, Baritone saxophone
Charles “LC” Williams, Trombone for ThaCizzle Music
Alex Jones, Guitar
Xavier Jones, Bass
Ahsa Ahla, Congas, percussion

Produced by Mausiki Scales & Daz-I-Kue.

Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Darren Benjamin /Daz-I-Kue (4 I-Kue Production, Atlanta/Nashville)
Additional recording by Steve Waide at Itchy Brain Recording Studio
Artwork: Kai Porter and Larmarrous Shirley
Layout: Larmarrous Shirley

My People (Instrumental)

"Love Lead the Way" is a love letter, an anthem that honors the warmth of community and relationships. Ayi Kwei Armah declares, “There is no beauty but in relationships. Nothing cut off by itself is beautiful. Never can things in destructive relationships be beautiful. All beauty is in the creative purpose of our relationships…”.
The chorus repeats: “What’s more important than Love in our hearts? Sunshower on a Spring Day. Lets Light our Love Lamps and Let Love, Love Lead the way!” This refrain concludes with the Zulu charge "Sawubona!" – Meaning "we see you". "Sawubona" is an invitation to a heart-felt, reciprocal witnessing of each other’s humanity and presence. At its deepest level this "seeing" is essential to human freedom. At a time when busy schedules, digital devices and toxic individualism have become social barriers - in an era where a lack of connectedness permeates, “Love Leads the Way” is an invitation to return to connection.

Mausiki
lyrics
What's more important than
Love in your heart?
Sunshower on a Spring Day
Lets light our Love Lamps
and let Love, Love Lead the Way!
Sawubona!


Giohnah El, vocals
Trishla Wooten, vocals
Enoch King, vocals
Kehinde Jones, vocals
Mausiki Scales, keys, percussion, lyrics, arrangement
Keith White, Trumpet, Flugel horn solos
Lance Powlis, flugel horn
Quinn Mason, tenor sax
Dewayne Martin, baritone sax
Alex Jones, guitar
Khari Simmons, bass
Ahsa Ahla, congas
Yakou N’Guessan, drums

Love Lead the Way

ATLANTA, GA – Mausiki Scales, keyboardist and founder of the Atlanta-based Afrobeat/Funk ensemble, Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective, releases “The Traveler”, a single from his upcoming album, Long Memory. Vocalists on the single include the talented Milkah Sadiki-Yisrael, Trishla Wooten, Kehinde Jones, Shawna Floyd and Eugene VI. “The Traveler” features the extraordinary musicianship of Russell Gunn, Brian Hogans, Quinn Masonry, DeWayne Martin, Ali Barr, Yakou N’guessen, Alex and Marcaelis.

ATLANTA, GA – Mausiki Scales, keyboardist and founder of the Atlanta-based Afrobeat/Funk ensemble, Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective, releases “The Traveler”, a single from his upcoming album, Long Memory. 

Delivered as a mantra, repeated with focused intention, “The Traveler” was created as a soundtrack to embrace the inward journey of healing intergenerational trauma for Black families. In West Africa, more specifically the traditional Yoruba culture, the song tradition known as Oriki provides a template where songs can be used as a healing tool. It plays a custodial role within families and social groups, strategically using community insight and wisdom to guide and maintain balance in the lineage. Orikis guides families and communities towards a healthy existence, as it directs listeners to themes of historical relevance, cautionary insight, and an in-depth understanding of kinship. Slavery, Jim Crow, colonialism, land loss, and lack of financial stability stilted and distorted intergenerational conversations, has denied many Diasporan Africans this critical healing practice. “The Traveler" is an invitation to journey back to our true self through intentional healing.

The Traveler
We are born into stories
Already being told
Sunrise is the night made new
So many things to do

See the sun for myself
In the flowin’ stream
In the dewdrop,
In the riverbed
Shining back on me

Personnel:
Mausiki Scales, composition, lyrics, electric piano, percussion
Milkah Sadiki-Yisrael, vocals
Giohnah El, vocals
Kehinde Jones, vocals
Eugene IV, vocals
Russell Gunn, Trumpet
Quinn Mason, Tenor saxophone
DeWayne Martin, Tenor saxophone
Ali Barr, Flugel horn
Alex Jones, Guitar, vocals
Marcaelis Sanders Bass
Yakou N'Guessen, Drums

*no piano

The Traveler

The Traveler: Daz-I-Kue Long Game Mix

Freedom Flight, Single from "Drums and Shadows" LP - September 2016.
 
•	Mausiki Scales, Lead Vocals, Fender Rhodes Electric Piano
•	Julie Dexter, Background Vocals
•	Trishla Wooten, Background Vocals
•	Shawna Floyd, Background Vocals
•	Mamaniji Azanyah, Background Vocals
•	Russell Gunn, Trumpet
•	DeWayne Martin, Tenor Saxophone
•	Khari Simmons, Bass
•	Alex Jones, Guitar
•	Kenton Bostick, Drums
•	Ahsa Ahla, Percussion

Recorded by Gary Reid at The Upper Room @ Lighthouse Studios
Mixed by Brian Hogans
Mastered by Rodney Mills

Photo Credit: Steve Eberhardt
Design: Larmarrous Shirley

Freedom Flight© Mausiki Scales.

Lyrics & Arrangement: Mausiki Scales
additional horn arrangements: Russell Gunn & DeWayne Martin

Drums and Shadows LP Release date September 2016.


Drums and Shadows

Freedom Flight

Summer Solstice, feat. Tavius Elder
•	Tavius Elder, Guitar
•	Mausiki Scales, Fender Rhodes Electric Piano
•	Kebbi Williams, Tenor Saxophone
•	Marquin Mason, Alto Saxophone
•	Khari Simmons, Bass
•	Kenton Bostick, Drums
•	Ahsa Ahla, Percussion

Music and arrangement: Mausiki Scales
Single from the CD "Drums and Shadows", September 2016.
Summer Solstice© Mausiki Scales 2016.


Recorded by Gary Reid in The Upper Room @ Lighthouse Studios
Mixed by Brian Hogans
Mastered by Rodney Mills

Summer Solstice

RingShout
•	Mausiki Scales, Vocals, Fender Rhodes Electric Piano, Vibes
•	Julie Dexter, Background Vocals
•	Trishla Wooten, Background Vocals
•	Shawna Floyd, Background Vocals
•	Mamaniji Azanyah, Background Vocals
•	Russell Gunn, Trumpet
•	DeWayne Martin, Tenor Saxophone
•	Khari Simmons, Bass
•	Tavius Elder, Guitar
•	Kenton Bostick, Drums
Recorded by Gary Reid in the Upper Room at Lighthouse Studios
Mixed by Brian Hogans
Mastered by Rodney Mills

Music and Arrangement: Mausiki Scales
Additional Horn arrangement: Russell Gunn, DeWayne Martin
RingShout© 2016 Mausiki Scales
Single from the CD "Drums & Shadows" Sept. 2016

RingShout

Julie Dexter, Vocals
Mausiki Scales, Fender Rhodes Electric Piano
Russell Gunn, Trumpet
Joel Powell, Bass
Terrell Sass, Drums

At the End of the Day, Music by Mausiki Scales ©2017
Lyrics: Julies Dexter

At The End Of The Day

Polongo

Tosin Tosinger, Lead Vocal
Ingrid Sibley, Background vocals
Akua Taylor, Background vocals
Mausiki Scales, Background vocals, Nord Electro Keyboard, percussion
J'Piccola Faust, Guitar
Ahsa Alha, Berimbau, percussion
Kweku Amoesi, Gome' Drum

Mausiki Scales, arrangement.
Tosin Tosinger, vocal arrangement. 
Bonus beats/groove, Salah Ananse
Lyrics-traditional.

Recorded by Gary W. Reid "The Upper Room @ LightHouse Studios"

Scales © 2017

Polongo *Ananse Rhythm Blessing

Pre-show Grooves 

Feat. Dashill Smith, Trumpet/Vocals
Mausiki Scales, Keys
Alex Jones, Bass
Tavius Elder, Guitar
Dewberry, Drums

sperimental.

Brother's Gonna Work It Out (Rework) by Ananse Scales Rebellion

Salah Ananse: Vocals, programming
Mausiki Scales: Keys
Russell Gunn: Trumpet
J'Piccola Faust: Guitar

Original composition by Willie Hutch 1973

Brother's Gonna Work It Out

Brothers Gonna Work It Out

Personnel:
Mausiki Scales, electric piano, vibes, vocals, lyrics, arrangement
Shawna Floyd, vocals
Raina Turner, vocals
Quinn Masonry, alto saxophone
Kebbi Williams, tenor saxophone
Alex Jones, guitar
Khari Simmons, bass
Che Marshall, drums

Photo: Brandi Pettijohn

One 2Gether

Oshun

Valencia Robinson, Vocals
Mausiki Scales, Fender Rhodes electric piano
Darryl Reeves, synthesizer
J’Piccola Faust, Guitar
Reginald Starling, Bass
Kenton Bostick, Drums

Scales: Arrangement,  "Be the Bridge" ©2012


Oshun

Common Ground Collective feat. Julie Dexter 
Zenzi Whitsett, Backing vocs.
Mausiki Scales, Backing vocs, Fender Rhodes Electric piano, Moog.
Steve Lake, guitar.
Joel Powell, Bass
T. Sass, Drums
Dashill Smith, Trumpet
Ali Barr, Flugel Horn
Anton Harris, Tenor Saxophone

Dexter & Scales Lyrics. Musical Scales. Horn Arrangement Barr & Smith.  
©2012

Sankofa People

Oooh, Serenity

Personnel: 
Mausiki Scales, electric piano
Tavius Elder, solo guitar
Brenda Nicole Moorer, vocals
Akua Taylor, vocals
Lance Powlis, flugel horn
Quinn Masonry, tenor saxophone
Alex Jones, guitar
Reginald Starling, bass
Kenton Bostick, drums

Serenity

“Let the Drum Remind You” is a reminder to attune to the rhythm of life. Arts critic and scholar, Michael Simanga notes that Scales’ music deeply connects to the “African spirit and the centuries-old exchange of experiences between African people in the Diaspora.” As with many artists, including Fela Kuti, James Brown and Hugh Masekela, Scales approaches music as if every instrument is a drum.

Scales explains, “My aim is to use music as a medium to redeem the lost ancestral voices of Africa and her diaspora. As a formula I keep the memory of Africa and the Blues close to the creation process.”

Scales likens his music to “the sound of community in dialogue with a griot.” “I take deep pride in capturing the resilience of my ancestors and translating that into sound - allowing the musicians and the listener to experience - even briefly - life beyond the ordinary."
lyrics
Keep love in your heart
Put a drum in your home
Keep playing your part
Life, rhythm and tone

Let the drum remind you.
Let ya heart remind you
I will find you
Oh I’ll find you


Mausiki Scales, Keys, lyrics, arrangement
Julie Dexter, vocals
Brenda Moorer, vocals
Akua Taylor, vocals
Russell Gunn, trumpet
Tavius Elder, solo guitar
Alex Jones, guitar
Reginald Starling, bass
Kenton Bostic, drums

Let the Drum Remind You

Welcome to the Big Game
The Kaleidoscopic Universe
This is the Big Game
In this mansion made of mirrors

Bend but don’t break
When the storm winds blow
Bend but don’t break
Always stretch and flow

*Repeat 1st verse


Mausiki Scales, arrangement, lyrics, keys
Brenda Moorer, vocals
Akua Taylor, vocals
Joseph Boyce, vibraphone
Quinn Masonry, sax
Alex Jones, guitar
Tavius Elder, guitar
Reginald Starling, bass
Kenton Bostick, drums

Recorded by Steve Waide at Itchy Brain Recording
Mixed & Mastered by Daz-I-Kue (4 I-Kue Production, Atlanta/Nashville)

Kaleidoscopic Universe

Some recordings can magically transport you into the heart of a live party. The combined forces of Atlanta Junkanoo Group and Mausiki Scales & the Common Ground Collective delivering their version of “Funky Nassau” place you right there. It’s clear they’re having a blast and compelling you to join in the celebration. 

The remake of this classic features trumpeter and vocalist, Dashill Smith, belting soul and hip hop-infused verses, joined later by Akua Taylor’s passionate refrain, “Funky Nassau!” Taylor’s shout-outs to several beloved Bahamian communities are a clarion call for the phoenix to rise. A hypnotic bass line, funky horns and guitar riffs supported by traditional Junkanoo rhythms bring the muscle of a freight train groovin’ down the track. 

Brandon LaFleur, leader of Atlanta Junkanoo Group explains, “The motivation to record this song grew from our passion for Bahamian culture, creativity and collaboration. When hurricane Dorian ravaged our islands, we felt a need to lend moral support to our Bahamian family impacted by this devastating event." Mausiki Scales, founder of the Common Ground Collective, shares, “We wanted to bring together the ‘live-in-concert’ feeling and the ‘live on Bay Street’ energy – into one powerhouse tune.”

Proceeds support continued relief efforts in the Bahamas.

Personnel:::

Atlanta Junkanoo Group 
Ken Missick - cowbells 
Clyde Forbes - cowbells 
Godfrey Jones- cowbells 
Jerad Mackey – tom-toms 
George Farrington – tom-toms 
Gary Cooper - bass drum 
Burke Edgecombe - bass drum 
Vaughn Fountain - scraper 
Nathaniel Spencer- sousaphone 
Anthony Charles-trumpet 
Jahkee Johnson - trombone 
Varian Smith – sousaphone 

Mausiki Scales & the Common Ground Collective 

Mausiki Scales- keys, whistle 
Dashill Smith- lead vocals, trumpet 
Akua Taylor - vocals 
Avys Burroughs - tenor saxophone 
Alex Jones - bass, guitar 
Jordan Manley - drum set 

Recorded by Steve Waide at Itchy Brain Recording 
Mixed & Mastered by Daz-I-Kue (4 I-Kue Production, Atlanta/Nashville) 
Layout/Design - Larmarrous Shirley 

Funky Nassau / Tippin' da Scales Music (ASCAP) ©2020 
Produced by Mausiki Scales & Brandon LaFleur.

Funky Nassau

"Kaleidoscopic Universe" is a single from the upcoming album WESTWEST AFRICA. 
Single Available Now! - on digital format: https://mausikiscales.bandcamp.com/track/kaleidoscopic-universe

WESTWEST AFRICA. (Pre-Sale available now. CD Release July 21st) https://mausikiscales.bandcamp.com/album/westwest-africa-2

Lyrics:

Welcome to the Big Game
The Kaleidoscopic Universe
This is the Big Game
In this mansion made of mirrors

Bend but don’t break 
When the storm winds blow
Bend but don’t break
Always stretch and flow 
_______
Personel:
Mausiki Scales, electric piano, synthesizer
Brenda Nicole Moorer, vocals
Akua Taylor, vocals
Joseph Boyce, vibraphone
Quinn Masonry, saxophone
Tavius Elder, guitar
Alex Jones, guitar
Reginald Starling, bass
Kenton Bostick, drums

WESTWEST AFRICA

"Let the Drum Remind You" is a single from the upcoming album release "WESTWEST AFRICA" - which takes you on a soulful musical journey throughout the African diaspora.

"Let the Drum Remind You" is a single from the upcoming album WESTWEST AFRICA. 
Single Available Now! - on digital format: https://mausikiscales.bandcamp.com/track/let-the-drum-remind-you

WESTWEST AFRICA. (Pre-Sale available now. CD Release July 21st) mausikiscales.bandcamp.com/album/westwest-africa-2

Lyrics:
Keep love in your heart
Put a drum in your home
Keep playing your part
Life, rhythm and tone

Let the drum remind you.
Let ya heart remind you
I will find you
Oh I’ll find you
_______

Personnel:
Mausiki Scales, Keys, lyrics, arrangement
Julie Dexter, vocals
Brenda Moorer, vocals
Akua Taylor, vocals
Russell Gunn, trumpet
Tavius Elder, solo guitar
Alex Jones, guitar
Reginald Starling, bass
Kenton Bostic, drums

Let The Drum Remind You

Bamboula

An intergalactic mix from London born, ATL/Nashville resident and world-renowned DJ/Producer Daz-I-Kue, which delves into the deep dimensions of Broken Beat. “Kaleidoscopic Universe: Daz-I-Kue Remix” delivers a hard hittin’ rhythmic fusion that grooves from the festival to the dance floor.

Daz-I-Kue, arrangement, keys
Mausiki Scales, lyrics, keys, solo synth
Brenda Moorer, vocals
Akua Taylor, vocals
Joseph Boyce, vibraphone
Quinn Masonry, saxophone
Alex Jones, guitar
Khari Simmons, bass
Produced by Daz-I-Kue & Mausiki Scales

Mixed & Mastered by Daz-I-Kue (4 I-Kue Production, Atlanta/Nashville)

Photography: Brandi Pettijohn
Design: Larmarrous Shirley

Kaleidoscopic Universe:  Daz-I-Kue Remix

Mausiki Scales has been a force in the Atlanta indie music scene for almost two decades as a sought after keyboardist and founder/musical director of the critically acclaimed ensemble, the Common Ground Collective. Recently honored with the Georgia Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities, Mausiki is also a folklorist and historian who translates his knowledge into musical arrangements that leave his audiences moved and moving…literally.

Whether performing as a trio or a full 10-piece ensemble, Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective are known for taking fans on a fearless exploration of the pulsating rhythms of the African Diaspora, seamlessly connecting the dots between afrobeat, funk, hip hop, soul and New Orleans jazz…in a single performance. 

They have performed in numerous celebrations, concerts, and special events throughout Africa and the Americas, including Ghana's Golden Anniversary Celebration, the National Black Arts Festival, Funk Jazz Café, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival. They have also collaborated with artists such as Roy Ayers, Babatunde Olatunji, Stevie Wonder, The Last Poets and Third World.

Together, Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective have released four albums, the most recent, Passages: The Water Brought Us, and they were recently featured on the Roy Ayers Fela-fied afrobeat version of Everybody Loves the Sunshine. This Spring, a new Mausiki Scales project, Drums and Shadows is scheduled for release, featuring the juke joint-invoking single, No Tables, No Chairs which has inspired an annual parade and party along the Atlanta BeltLine. Up next is a full album collaboration with Roy Ayers.

Mausiki Scales

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