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In Artword Theatre main theatre, February 22, 2002 Ethnic Heritage Ensemble: |
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One
Show Only: Friday, February 22, 2002 |
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In
1976, renowned Chicago percussionist Kahil El'Zabar formed
the ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE shortly after graduating from
the school of the Association for the Advancement of
Creative Musicians. Combining contemporary African American
musical styles with traditional African instrumentation and
rhythms the ensemble heralded a new style of Post-Bop Free
Jazz expression which has continued over a quarter century
through worldwide touring and 9 critically acclaimed albums.
The trio of Kahil El'Zabar, Joseph Bowie and Ernest
"Khabeer" Dawkins' unique instrumentation - trap drums,
African and Latin hand-percussion, saxophone, trombone,
digeridoo, bass clarinet and kalimba among many others -
endow their music with a warm textural richness and depth.
While classic albums like Continuum and Freedom Jazz Dance
embody the ensemble's spirit, witnessing the live
mulit-instrumental improvisations of the group is an
experience unique in Jazz music. ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE mini biographies: Kahil
El'Zabar - This internationally renowned percussionist and
composer is an accomplished musician with mastery of a
variety of instruments to his credit - congas, bongos,
African drums, shekere, gongs, trap drums, balaphon,
marimba, sanza, kalimba, balaphon, and berimbau. He has
performed and recorded worldwide with such luminaries as
Dizzy Gillespie, Donny Hathaway, David Murray, Stevie
Wonder, Henry Threadgill and Paul Simon. In addition to the
Ensemble, El'Zabar also leads the Ritual Trio (featuring
bassist Malachi Favors Maghostut and saxophonist Ari Brown)
as well as collaborating with Pharoah Sanders, Hamiett
Bluiett and Billy Bang. His talents have also extended to
scoring feature films like "Mo' Money" (Columbia Pictures)
and "How U Like Me Now" (Universal Pictures). For further information, please
contact: |
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