Fred Anderson: 21st Century Chase - 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge DVD

Fred Anderson: 21st Century Chase - 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge movie Saxophonist Fred Anderson is approaching legendary status. Aside from his 50-year, remarkably prolific career as a musician, the octogenarian is known for his unique, robust playing that seamlessly combines elements of traditional and avant-garde jazz. Those qualities are proudly displayed on FROM THE RIVER TO THE OCEAN, which finds Anderson joined by percussionist extraordinaire Hamid Drake, guitarist Jeff Parker, bass player Harrison Bankhead, and others. The music is always adventurous, yet shouldn't be inaccessible or off-putting to free-jazz neophytes, thanks in large part to the superior musicianship throughout, which shines with a command of melody, groove, and group chemistry. Photographer: Jim Newberry. Personnel: Hamid Drake (drums, frame drum); Fred Anderson (saxophone); Hamid Drake; Harrison Bankhead (cello, piano, bass instrument); Josh Abrams (bass instrument); Jeff Parker (guitar). Recording information: SOMA EMS.

Fred Anderson: 21st Century Chase - 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge review Although at first glance a full-length tenor-sax/drums duet set might lack variety, this matchup between David Murray and Kahil El'Zabar is on another level. For one thing, El'Zabar plays percussion as much as drums. In addition, neither musician is afraid to use space and silence, and there is no need to play at top volume and intensity all of the time. They are able to form coherent statements without the need for a full rhythm section, and they communicate together very well. The opener "Groove Allure" is relatively peaceful and lyrical while "We Is" is more violent and passionate. "Blues Affirmation" is particularly intriguing, with Murray preaching soulfully on tenor over El'Zabar's thumb piano and affirmative chanting/singing. Murray switches to bass clarinet for "One World Family" and states a powerful melody on "Sweet Meat" before an El'Zabar drum solo. This adventurous and well-constructed live set holds one's interest throughout and is well worth several listens. ~ Scott Yanow People who dig the authentic in art take heart from the music drummer/percussionist Kahil El'Zabar has made for more than 25 years, since he established the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. Joining El'Zabar is David Murray, one of the most voracious and prolifi Photographer: Marty Perez. Personnel: Kahil El'Zabar (drums, percussion); Kahil El'Zabar; David Murray (bass clarinet, tenor saxophone). Recording information: The Bop Shop, Rochester, NY (03/29/2000).

Fred Anderson: 21st Century Chase - 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge DVD for sale Chicago-based avant-garde percussionist Kahil El Zabar leads his band the Ritual Trio, with special guest, violinist Billy Bang, in a multimedia performance at the Windy City's River East Art Center on December 18th, 2004. Also featured is bassist Yosef Ben Israel, the newest member of the Trio who exhibits a perfect symbiosis with the group. Ari Brown's saxophone borders on unruly screeching without crossing over, as he retains control with his bravely experimental technique. The event showcases painting, sculpture, and video projection, while Bang's violin travels through a range of styles from restrained elegance to gritty improvisation. El Zabar, recently voted Chicago's "Artist of the Year" by the CHICAGO TRIBUNE, turned in a characteristically spectacular performance, incorporating the African sounds of conga and kalimba to the avant-garde mix. Master drummer/percussionist Kahil El'Zabar brought in special guest, violinist Billy Bang to perform live at Chicago's River East Art Center on December 18th, 2004. The concert was a multi-media event with painters, sculptors, and video projection. This

Fred Anderson: 21st Century Chase - 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge video Tenor sax maestro Fred Anderson, grooving into his 70s, plays his Chicago-style jazz at the now-famous club he opened in 1972, the Velvet Lounge. Chicago tenor sax legend Fred Anderson has been getting a lot of press recently because of the forthcoming closing of the current location of the internationally renowned Velvet Lounge. Features Hamid Drake on drums/percussion and Harrison Bankhead on ba

Fred Anderson: 21st Century Chase - 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge film Decidedly modern in outlook and approach, saxophonist Ernest Dawkins remains one of the foremost proponents of avant-garde free jazz, and his work with the New Horizons Ensemble is especially vital, exuberant, and rich with the multiple influences that mark his musical interests. This program captures Dawkins and the New Horizons Ensemble in a live performance recorded at Washington D.C.'s legendary Velvet Lounge. AACM saxophonist, composer and bandleader Ernest Dawkins brought his NHE into the Velvet Lounge on July 14, 2005 for this live CD knowing it would be one of the groups' last performances at the historic "old" Velvet Lounge. The club is now closed (the la

Fred Anderson: 21st Century Chase - 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge review Kahil El'Zabar, drums, earth drums, kalimba; Corey Wilkes, trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion; Ernest Dawkins, alto and tenor saxophone, percussion; Fareed Haque, electric and acoustic guitar. In a Down Beat review of their previous Delmark album, Freedom J