Customer Reviews

Freedom Jazz Dance

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Kahli El Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble is almost always good, but this is perhaps their finest studio album of the decade. I could only reccomend their live releases (or better yet, performances) more highly. Guest Fareed Haque shines on guitar, and the band moves smoothly from funky (on Mama's House and Eddie Harris's Freedom Jazz Dance) to peaceful and mystical (on Katon). Well worth owning.

This recording is created by one of the versions of Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. The consistent grouping is drums, horns - tenor sax and trombone, played by Ernest Dawkins and Joseph Bowie, respectfully, with the addition of Fareed Haque on guitar. The horn players make contributions on small percussion instruments,and Kahil holds down the bottom with his earth drum and other hand drums, and he also plays the drum kit and kalimba on a couple of tracks. This is vibrant, essential music for those who love Afro-influenced music, and it's a good place to start for those who are ready to be introduced. Kahil El'Zabar has been one of the central figures out of Chicago who continues to carry the banner of great Chicago jazz. Parts of this studio recording really swing, and the general mood of the recording is soothing, with substance - nothing thin here - again, this is essential music with depth. Kahil El'Zabar has always paid deep respect to Chicago jazz musicians and mentors who have preceded him and influenced him, and in recent years he is sharing his passion and gifts for the music by mentoring and influencing a younger generation of musicians. Also try out the two DVDs of Kahil that are available. The music alone is great, but it's a special treat to watch Kahil on video, or better yet, live. His passion is evident, and the experience is very moving.