Biography
In 1999 Bruce Burger launched Common Tongue, a percussion-driven world music outfit known for its groovy textures, as an offshoot of Rebbe Soul, the project in which he remains founder and sole constant member. The new band gave each accomplished player from his regular backing ensemble an opportunity to step forward and display individual strengths. Whereas Rebbe Soul draws chiefly on Hebrew sources, Common Tongue incorporates sounds and traditions from numerous cultures and leans closer to rock; the group also maintains a strict policy of appearing only with its full instrumental complement, unlike the smaller lineups frequently heard in Rebbe Soul settings.
Brazilian percussionist Casio Duarte supplies Latin American rhythms laced with Middle Eastern exotica. Keyboardist Steve Carter, an Oakland native whose résumé includes tours with Love & Rockets and Spearhead, nevertheless reserves his deepest allegiance for West African music. Tanzanian drummer Joel Alpern brings East African elements, while fellow Oakland native Deep Den anchors the ensemble with a pronounced old-school funk bass line. Powerhouse vocalist Lynn Rose delivers leads in a style recalling Patti LaBelle or Aretha Franklin.
Burger rotates between guitar and balalaika and adds occasional harmonies, yet he readily yields the spotlight to Rose, his longtime colleague and Rebbe Soul’s backup singer. The band issued its debut album, Step Into My World, independently in 2000; a second album remained in pre-production as of 2001. Common Tongue continues to play clubs and larger halls across the United States, with special emphasis on its home state of California. Reviewers have singled out the group’s inventive approach and high-energy concerts, establishing it as a regular presence at West Coast world-music festivals and gatherings whose sun-drenched, incense-scented, Flower Child atmosphere suits the band’s upbeat yet flowing melodies, spicy rhythm section, and forceful vocal lines.
Brazilian percussionist Casio Duarte supplies Latin American rhythms laced with Middle Eastern exotica. Keyboardist Steve Carter, an Oakland native whose résumé includes tours with Love & Rockets and Spearhead, nevertheless reserves his deepest allegiance for West African music. Tanzanian drummer Joel Alpern brings East African elements, while fellow Oakland native Deep Den anchors the ensemble with a pronounced old-school funk bass line. Powerhouse vocalist Lynn Rose delivers leads in a style recalling Patti LaBelle or Aretha Franklin.
Burger rotates between guitar and balalaika and adds occasional harmonies, yet he readily yields the spotlight to Rose, his longtime colleague and Rebbe Soul’s backup singer. The band issued its debut album, Step Into My World, independently in 2000; a second album remained in pre-production as of 2001. Common Tongue continues to play clubs and larger halls across the United States, with special emphasis on its home state of California. Reviewers have singled out the group’s inventive approach and high-energy concerts, establishing it as a regular presence at West Coast world-music festivals and gatherings whose sun-drenched, incense-scented, Flower Child atmosphere suits the band’s upbeat yet flowing melodies, spicy rhythm section, and forceful vocal lines.
Albums
Singles
