MADE IN CHICAGO

Artists:

..8 BOLD SOULS

.. In January of 1985 eight musicians came together to premier new music for a series of Thursday night concerts in downtown Chicago at a performance venue called Chicago Filmmakers. The group featured the unusual instrumentation of two woodwinds, trumpet, trombone, cello, tuba, bass, and trap drums. The concerts, entitled "New Music for 8 Bold Souls", were successful with both critics and musicians. Hence the formation for the group known as 8 Bold Souls, led by Composer, Reedist Edward Wilkerson. In order to have a good understanding of 8 Bold Souls it is important to understand a bit more about the ensembleís leader. Musically Wilkerson finds inspiration from those he has studied or worked with such as Muhal Richard Abrams, Henry Threadgill, Lester Bowie, Fred Anderson, Von Freeman, Johnny Britt, as well as many other fellow members of the AACM. In addition, Wilkerson cites many non-musical inspirations like family, education and readings. Fostered by the AACM, Wilkerson learned to think about music in an encouraging environment that promoted musical education in equal doses with experimentation. 8 Bold Souls' music is both melodic (reminiscent of small groups led by Duke Ellington and Jimmy Lunceford) and challenging (featuring complex arrangements for innovative instrumentation). One of the distinguishing characteristics of 8 Bold Souls has always been the preponderance of low sounding instruments. Pinning down the root of these fundamental sonorities is the contra bass where Harrison Bankhead holds court. Harrison is a native of the city of Waukegan just north of Chicago. His musical development was comprised of a variety of situations including studies at The Sherwood School of Music and Northeastern University. Currently, Harrison studies with Roger Cline of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Harrison is known as a musician who appreciates a musical challenge. He has never shunned an opportunity to participate in new and exciting ensembles and concerts where creativity abounds. From flamenco, to classical, to gospel, to soul, Harrison has lent his unique bass styling to enhance whatever ensemble is fortunate enough to have his participation. Luckily he expends much of his musical energies with the 'Souls.' Additionally he has performed with Oliver Lake, Joshua Redman, Fred Anderson, Von Freeman, The Waukegan Symphony, Roscoe Mitchell, Billy Pierce, Billy Harper and many others.

Jeden z kultowych zespołów sceny Chicago. W styczniu 1985 roku ośmiu muzyków zebrało się by zagrać premierowy program w jednym z klubów. Powstał rzadki i nietypowy skład instrumentalny (saksofony, klarnety, trąbka, puzon, wiolonczela, tuba, kontrabas i perkusja). Koncerty pod hasłem "New Music For 8 Bold Souls" zostały bardzo dobrze przyjęte przez krytykow oraz publiczność i stały się początkiem nowej formacji 8 Bold Souls prowadzonej przez kompozytora i saksofonistę Edwarda Wilkersona. Muzyka 8 Bold Souls przywodzi na myśl małe składy Duke'a Ellingtona. Jest zarazem melodyjna i swingująca ale także, poprzez skomplikowane aranże na nietypowe instrumentarium, zaawansowana harmonicznie. Zespół ma dziś za sobą cztery, świetnie sprzedające się płyty i niezliczoną ilość koncertów, ostatnio na Chicago Jazz Festival 2008.




.. EDWARD WILKERSON, JR (tenor, alto saxophone, clarinet, alto clarinet)

.. Edward Wilkerson is an internationally recognized composer, arranger, musician, and educator based in Chicago. As founder and director of the cutting edge octet, 8 Bold Souls and the twenty-five member performance ensemble, Shadow Vignettes, Edward has toured festivals and concert halls throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. Defender, a large-scale piece for Shadow Vignettes, was commissioned by the Lila Wallace/Reader's Digest Fund and featured in the 10th Anniversary of New Music America, a presentation of Brooklyn Academy of Music's Next Wave Festival. The 1998 Chicago Jazz Festival featured another commissioned work by Wilkerson entitled Dark Star. Wilkersonís work may be heard on fourteen recordings, including two film soundtracks. Wilkerson has received grants from the Illinois Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Meet the Composer, and the Community Arts Assistance Program, and has been cited in numerous music polls. A former member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, Wilkerson has also played with such artists and groups as the AACM Big Band, Roscoe Mitchell, Douglas Ewart, The Temptations, Chico Freeman, Gerri Allen, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Muhal Richard Abrams, Aretha Franklin, George Lewis, and many others.

Znakomity kompozytor, aranżer i muzyk z Chicago. Załozyciel i kompozytor nowatorskich składów zespołów 8 Bold Souls i 25 osobowego Shadow Vignettes - legendarnego big-bandu free, złożonego z muzyków AACM. Obok Kahil El Zabara oraz "Light" Henry Huffa tworzył pierwszy, oryginalny skład Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. Z Nicole Mitchell, Harrisonem Bankheadem i Avreayl Ra koncertuje w ramach kolektywu Frequency. Z Tatsu Aokim i Michaelem Zerangiem w WAZ Trio. Regularnie, w róznych składach grywa w klubie Velvet Lounge. Występował w salach koncertowych w USA, Europie, Japonii i krajach Bliskiego Wschodu. Jego kompozycje znaleźć mozna na 14 płytach, w tym dwóch ścieżkach filmowych. Na swoim koncie ma współpracę z wieloma zespołami i artystami, m.in.Great Black Music Ensemble, Roscoe Mitchellem, Douglasem Ewartem, Chico Freemanem, Gerri Allen, Muhal Richard Abramsem czy Arethą Franklin.




.. MWATA BOWDEN (baritone, tenor saxophone, clarinet)

.. Mwata Bowden having picked up 'one of those old, metal, silver clarinets' in church when he was twelve, soon found himself in the junior high school band and a couple of years later, playing at DuSable High School for one of the most revered figures in Chicago Black Music, Captain Walter Dyett. This was the man who had inspired and trained no less than Nat 'King' Cole, Johnny Griffin, Gene Ammons, Von Freeman, Richard Davis, Fred Hopkins, and other South Side music giants too numerous to mention. The rigorous musical training Mwata received at DuSable earned him a spot at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. As he came close to completing his music education degree, reality set in. On his teacher's advice, Bowden picked up a baritone saxophone and started working the big bands and the R&B outfits that were so popular in Chicago in the late 60's. No sooner had Mwata graduated than he was touring the country with the Chi-Lites, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Albert King and other R&B groups. And it was this time on the road that inevitably led him to the AACM, back home in Chicago. During the past several years, Bowden has gone beyond the stage of discovery into genuine mastery. In addition to the obvious technical virtuosity he commands on baritone saxophone and clarinet, he has been able to put together ensembles that develop his ideas on a somewhat larger scale. In his Sound Spectrum and Tri-Tone ensembles, for instance, he has presented long and complex compositions that nevertheless prove accessible to the uninitiated listener. Above all, though the AACM remains the constant in his musical life. Bowden is a former Chairman of the AACM.
Trumpeter ROBERT GRIFFIN, JR. grew up in Chicago in a family where expression was a part of life. A father who played saxophone and a mother who was a dancer naturally led Robert to experience life through the complex prism of music and entertainment. He recalls family outings to the Tivolli and Regal Theaters where he, on an average day, might see the Count Basie Orchestra, Art Farmer, or Miles Davis, in addition to a movie and cartoon. An early dream was realized when Robert played under the direction of Red Sanders in the Regal Theater house band. This position along with jobbing around town allowed him to perform with Nancy Wilson and Red/Holt Unlimited. It was in the early seventies that Robert began performing with members of the AACM and began developing his unique voice in creative music. Robert has been a member of Vandy Harris' group, The Front Burners, The AACM Large Ensemble and 8 Bold Souls. Through the years, he has also shared the stage with Muhal Richard Abrams, Anthony Braxton, Lester Bowie, Kahil El'Zabar, and many others.

Mwata Bowden od najmłodszych lat grał pod okiem jednego z najbardziej wpływowych nauczycieli z Chicago Captaina Walter Dyetta, spod którego skrzydeł wyszli między innymi Nat „King” Cole i Johny Griffin. Gruntowna edukacja muzyczna w liceum DuSable zapewniła Bowdenowi miejsce w American Conservatory of Music w Chicago. Za namową swojego nauczyciela, Mwata rozpoczął grę na saksofonie barytonowym i współpracował z big bandami i składami R&B, które świeciły swoje triumfy w Chicago lat 60tych. To doświadczenie utorowało jego drogę do AACM w Chicago. W ciągu ostatnich lat, Bowden osiągnął prawdziwie mistrzowski poziom w grze na saksofonie barytonowym i klarnecie. Prowadzi własne składy, min. Sound Spectrum i Tri Tone. Jest silnie związany z chicagowskim AACM, zasiada w jej władzach.




.. ISAIAH S. JACKSON (trombone, percussion)

.. Isaiah Jackson was born in a small town called Charleston, Mississippi. He began music studies in 6th grade with Professor James O. Micou of Kosziesko, Mississippi. Isaiah did his undergraduate studies at Mississippi Valley State University with Professor O'Neal Sanford and Dr. Russell Boone. He also studied with Dr. Alvin Baptiste at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Professors Bunky Green, Willie Pickens, Bill Russo, Dr. Richard Wang and Muhal Richard Abrams. Through the years, he has performed throughout the Mid-south and the Mid-west with artists such as Little Johnny Taylor, Jimmy Reed, Otis Clay, Garland Green, Little Mack Simmons, The Dells, and Third World. Presently he performs with Shadow Vignettes and 8 Bold Souls, both groups under the direction of Edward Wilkerson Jr. Isaiah Jacksonís discography: 1973, with the Mandells of Chicago on the June Bug record label; 1976, with Edwin Rivera and La Poderosa (Tipica 76) on the Lydia label; 1977, on Sea Saint label with Uncle Reamus and Jerry Weaver; 1985 with Shadow Vignettes on Birth of a Notion, 1988 Video with John Toles-Bey called Honky Tonk Bud; 1988 8 Bold Souls (8BS) on Sessoms Records; 1992 Sideshow, (8BS) on Arabesque Record label, 1994 AntFarm, (8BS) on Arabesque Record Label; 1997 Vandy Harris and The Front Burners on Katumbi Records.

Isaiah Jackson urodził się w małym miasteczku Charleston w Missisipi, studiował na uniwersytecie stanowym Missisipi. Współpracował z takimi artystami jak Little Johny Taylor, Jimmy Reed, Little Mack Simmons The Dells i The Third Word. Obecnie występuje w dwóch składach Edwarda Wilkersona Jr.: Shadow Vignettes i 8 Bold Souls.




.. TOMEKA REID (cello)

..

Wiolonczelistka, należąca do „nowego pokolenia” muzyków jazzowych z Chicago. Charakterystyczne, niezwykle bogate i zdecydowane brzmienie jej instrumentu, jest natychmiast rozpoznawalne, zarówno w małych jak i dużych składach. Artystka jest równie doskonała w repertuarze klasycznym, co w punku, hip hopie i kreatywnej improwizacji. Jej ogromną aktywność na scenie muzycznej Chicago odzwierciedla fakt współpracy m.in. z Nicole Mitchell (Black Earth Ensemble, Great Black Music Ensemble), Dee Alexander (Evolution Quartet), Jeffem Parkerem czy Fredem Longberg-Holmem. W Poznaniu koncertowała z Black Earth Strings Nicole Mitchell.




.. DUSHUN MOSELEY (trap drums, percussion)

.. Dushun Moseley is a performer and bandleader. Based in Chicago, he is the bandleader for the Vizitors and the Signature Group, a member of the 8 Bold Souls, Frontburners, Chicago 3D, Shadow Vignettes and the AACM Big Band. Dushun has toured extensively as a soloist, in duets, trios and big bands. He has been called upon to do numerous engagements in social clubs, music halls and festivals in cities throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and Japan. These performances have contributed to his distinguished reputation as a forerunner in this generation of innovators. His style combines traditional musics in a combo band setting, but feels equally at home pushing big bands and orchestras to their limit. He produced his first CD with the Vizitors which was released in Fall of 1998. He has performed with numerous entertainers such as Sasha Dolton, Roscoe Mitchell, Steve Colson, Douglas Ewart, Henry Threadgill, Anthony Davis, Don Moye, Don Cherry, Richard Muhal Abrams, Jodie Christian and others.

Dushun Moseley Mieszka w Chicago, kieruje zespołem Vizitors and the Signature Group i jest perkusistą formacji Edwarda Wilkersona - 8 Bold Souls i Shadow Vignettes. Koncertował w Stanach, Kanadzie, Europie, na Wyspach Karaibskich, w Afryce i Japonii, W 1998, Mosley wyprodukował swój pierwszy album z Visitors. Koncertował z wieloma muzykami min. Roscoe Mitchell, Steve Colson, Douglas Ewart, Henry Threadgill, Anthony Davis, Don Moye, Don Cherry, Richard Muhal Abrams, Jodie Christian i wieloma innymi.




.. HARRISON BANKHEAD (bass, cello)

.. Harrsion Bankhead is very talented bassist and cellist, he plays with Fred Anderson and Ernest Dawkins on Chicago 12, and with Nicole Mitchell on 8 Bold Souls. Has recorded with Malachi Thompson and Africa Brass band. Member of numerous Roscoe Mitchell’s bands. Master of pulsating rhythm around which Fred Anderson, one of Poznan audiences’ favourites, built his intricate improvisations.

Harrison Bankhead jest utalentowanym basistą i wiolonczelistą. Gra z z Fredem Andersonem; Ernestem Dawkinsem w zespole Chicago 12; z Nicole Mitchell; w zespole 8 Bold Souls. Nagrywał z Malachim Thompsonem i zespołem Africa Brass. Jest członkiem wielu składów Roscoe Mitchella. Mistrz pulsującego rytmu wokół którego rozwijał swoje zawiłe improwizacje Fred Anderson i jeden z ulubieńców publiczności poznańskiego festiwalu.




.. STEWART MILLER(bas)

.. Bassist STEWART MILLER is a native of Louisville, KY, a graduate of music programs at the University of Kentucky and Northern Illinois University, and a regular in jazz clubs, recording studios, and festivals in and around Chicago. After two years of touring with the Glenn Miller Orchestra in the early 1980s Stewart worked in a wide variety of musical settings in the Louisville-Lexington-Cincinnati area and eventually came to Chicago in 1987. He can be heard on Delmark Records 2004 release Up Jumped Spring by legendary trombonist Curtis Fuller..

Basista STEWART MILLER ukończył University of Kentucky oraz Northern Illinois University, grywając jednocześnie w klubach jazzowych, nagrywając i biorąc udział w festiwalach muzycznych, organizowanych w Chicago i okolicach. Po dwóch latach regularnej współpracy z Glenn Miller Orchestra, Stewart, w roku 1987, zamieszkał w Chicago, gdzie m.in. brał udział w nagraniu płyty „Up Jumped Spring” (Delmark Records 2004) legendarnego puzonisty Curtisa Fullera.




.. GERALD DEON POWELL (tuba)

.. Gerald Deon Powell’s love for music started at the age of six, while singing in the children's choir at his church. Little did his parents know that by the third grade, when he saw the Harvey Grade School Band perform at his school, that Gerald would feel that he "just had to be a part of the band." By the fourth grade, Gerald's love for the "low brass" began when his first band and music teacher assigned him to the trombone. Several years later, the tuba became the instrument in which he could best express his love for music. In 1995, he graduated from Morehouse College. Upon the completion of college, Gerald began his teaching career. In 1996, fate crossed his path with Edward Wilkerson and he embarked upon the fruitful journey with the 8 Bold Souls. Currently, he enjoys a very rewarding teaching career at the Recovering the Gifted Child Academy, a Chicago public school, where he teaches choral music and band. At the age of 27, Gerald believes that there is so much left to accomplish. In addition to his professional aspirations, Gerald Powell is also a dedicated husband and father.



.. WILLIE PICKENS (piano)

.. South Side Jazz pianist tours with stellar percussionist Elvin Jones' Jazz Machine. He began his career on a national hit record -- Eddie Harris' 1961Exodus, and has played with James Moody, Roy Eldridge, Max Roach... In between, he has accompanied hundreds of visiting soloists, led innumerable groups, and made many appearances at the Chicago Jazz Festival (including one in 1997), as well as teaching music in the Chicago public schools... His performance is straight-ahead, and utterly stable -- with dense chords, percussive attack, and flying solos -- echoing the artistry of McCoy Tyner. Lately, he's matured as both a soloist and bandleader, letting the space between the notes speak. While he's not as showy as many of the younger folks, he always puts on a nice show.
He plays an annual Yuletide concert, and in 1998 released a new album, the surprisingly original A Jazz Christmas (Southport Records) with Nicholas Payton, Larry Gray, and Robert Shy.
Says the Chicago Tribune's Howard Reich, "With his large & complex chords, his great splashes of color and dissonance in the right hand and his barrelhouse octaves in the left, Pickens never let the dramatic intensity flag." The Chicago Reader's jazz critic Neil Tesser comments, "Pickens' most exuberant solos all but take flight from the keyboard's runway."

Legenda Chicago, pianista jazzowy. Swoją karierę rozpoczął w 1961, biorąc udział w nagraniu przebojowego albumu Eddiego Harrisa „Exodus”. Grał z min. z Jamesem Moody, Roy Eldridgem, Max Roachem. Przez wiele lat współpracował i koncertował ze sławnym zespołem Elvina Jonesa – Jazz Machine. Uczył muzyki i akompaniował setkom solistów, prowadził niezliczone zespoły i wielokrotnie występował na Chicago Jazz Festival.




.. THE 5 AFTER 7 PROJECT

.. is a collaborative of diverse musicians residing in the Chicagoland area. The 5 after 7 Project performs thought provoking music from jazz to classical. The 5 after 7 Project was started by Saalik Ziyad while he was attending Northern Illinois University.

Kolektyw muzyczny, stworzony przez młodych muzyków z Chicago. Liderem projektu jest wokalista SAALIK ZIYAD.



.. SAALIK A. ZIYAD (vocal)

.. Saalik A. Ziyad, a native of Chicago, is no stranger to performing. He began his singing career at age seven with the Chicago Children's Choir and under the choir's tutelage performed with Willie Pickens, Charlie Haden, Amina Claudine Myers, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (under the direction of Zubin Mehta and James Levine).
As an up and coming member of the AACM, he embraces a broad aesthetic and has a huge range of influence. In leading the 5 After 7 Project, Saalik has brought together some of the best young talent in Chicago to play his unique arrangements and compositions.

Saalik A. Ziyad jest wybitnym i kratywnym młodym wokalistą z Chicago. Swoją karierę wokalną rozpoczął w wieku 7 lat w Chicago Children’s Choir. Koncertował z Willie Pickensem, Charlie Hadenem, Aminą Claudiną Myers i Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Jest członkiem AACM. W swojej twórczości łączy różnorodne estetyki i strefy wpływów muzycznych – od wielkiej jazzowej tradycji po awangardę. Do swojego projektu 5 After 7 Project zaprosił najzdolniejszych, młodych instrumentalistów z Chicago oraz uznane autorytety, gościnnie występujące z zespołem.




.. FRED JACKSON (saxes)

.. Fred Jackson is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge La. He studied with Alvin Batiste. He learned how to play listening to the Jazz Greats such as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane,Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson,Wayne Shorter,Branford Marsalis,Steve Coleman,etc. He is also a product of the Hip-hop generation. Musically he just tries to follow his ear. Nothing gets him hype like some bad cats playing over some changes! He loves music that challenges the ears as well as the mind. Music is for the soul. Over the years he's had the pleasure of performing with Dewey Redman, Jimmy Heath, Alvin Batiste, Nicholas Patton, Wes Anderson,Mark Whitfield, Bill Summers, Donald Edwards, Roland Guerin, Quamon Fowler, Lamark Gulley, Marlon Jordan, Fred Sanders, Fred Anderson, Troy Davis, Vincent Davis, Jason Thomas, Keith Loftis,Cream Jones, Charles "Rick" Heath, Andreus,Tanya Reed,etc. Composure(hip-hop),Kafele Bandele, Ugochi, Motep, Corey Wilkes Sextet, Soul People, etc.

Absolwent Southern University. Gry uczył się słuchając wielkich mistrzów Charliego Parkera, Johna Coltrane’a, Sonny Rollinsa, Joe Hendersona. Duży wpływ miała też na niego muzyka generacji hip-hopu. Znakomity saksofonista i jedno z największych objawień młodej, czarnej sceny Chicago.




.. SHAUN JOHNSON (trumpet)

.. Shaun Johnson is a composer, arranger, trumpeter, educator and clinician. Born in Chicago, but raised in Chicago Heights, he started playing the trumpet at the age of 10 and by the age of 14 he already started playing in top big bands such as the Grammy All-Star Jazz Band, the Down Beat All-Star Big Band and a host of others. Robert Cross, Shaun’s high school band director, is one person who helped him grow his passion for his craft and creativity. During high school he merged himself on the Chicago music scene, going to the many jam, sessions ran by some Chicago own legends, such as Von Freeman at the New Apartment Lounge and Fred Anderson at the Velvet Lounge. Around this time, Shaun has also had the pleasure of playing along side with Clark Terry, James Moody, Kevin Mahogany, Byron Stripling, Orbert Davis and Ed Peterson.
Upon graduation from high school, Shaun studies music for two years at Northern Illinois University was his degree was Music Education and Jazz Studies. He had the luxury of studying under world-class educators such as Ron Carter, Fareed Haque, Joey Sellers, Paul McKee and Ronnie Wooten. He also studied jazz and classical trumpet with Art Davis and Mark Ponzo.Shaun had had the experience of playing in the NIU Jazz Ensemble, touring all over U.S. with world-class musicians such as Frank Foster, Joanne Brackeen, Melton Mustafa, Jimmy Heath, Ed Thigpen, Slide Hampton, Jon Faddis, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Tom Garling and Wynton Marsalis. Shaun later went on to travel all around the world on luxury cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Renaissance Cruise Lines. After traveling around the world, he came back to Chicago and studied with Pharez Whitted of Chicago State University Jazz Studies Program. His musically opportunities continued to rise as he had to pleasure of performing with the Black Ensemble Theater headed by Jackie Taylor, the Jimmy Health Big Band and gospel artists Vickie Yohe and Ben Tankard Shaun is currently pursuing his music career around the city of Chicago, performing with many locals such as the Prairie State College Extreme Big Band, Latin jazz group, Crosswind and jazz vocalist Saalik Ziyad and The 5 after 7 Project. He’s also a sub trumpet player for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, led by Jon Faddis. Shaun also teaches privately and for a locate music school called the Roosevelt Griffin School of Music.

Kompozytor, aranżer, trębacz, nauczyciel. Urodzony w Chicago, grę na trąbce rozpoczął w wieku lat 10ciu, mając niespełna 14 lat miał już na swoim koncie współpracę z największymi big bandami w Chicago. W liceum brał udział w wielu jam sessions prowadzonych przez legendy miasta, takie jak Von Freemana w New Apartament Lounge, czy Fred Andersona w Velvet Lounge. W tym czasie Johnson grał również z Clarkiem Terry, Kelvinem Mahogany, Orbertem Davisem, czy Edem Petersonem. Studiował jazz i klasyczną trąbkę pod kierunkiem Arta Davisa. Obecnie występuje z wieloma lokalnymi muzykami z Chicago min. The 5 after 7 Project.




.. THE CHICAGO JAZZ PHILHARMONIC

.. was born out of an invitation to Artistic Director Orbert Davis from the Jazz Institute of Chicago to “think big” when planning his appearance at the 2004 Jazz Festival. This performance marked the first time for a resident Chicago Jazz artist to headline the festival, not to mention, being accompanied by a 55-piece jazz orchestra. The scope and scale of the performance was certainly unlike anything the Chicago Jazz Festival has ever witnessed. Chicago Jazz Philharmonic has impacted audiences that are as diverse as its artistry; 42,000 and growing!



.. ORBERT DAVIS (trumpet, composer, conductor)

.. Trumpeter, composer ORBERT DAVIS is co-founder, conductor and artistic director of CHICAGO JAZZ PHILHARMONIC, a 55+ piece jazz-symphonic orchestra dedicated to multi-genre projects. Orbert is also associate professor of music and Director of Jazz at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Winner of the 1995 Cognac Hennessy National Jazz Search, Orbert was chosen one of Chicago Tribune's "1995 Arts People of the Year". Chicago Magazine named him "Y2k Best Trumpeter in Chicago" and "Chicagoan of the Year for 2002". Along with his business partner/manager Mark Ingram, Orbert owns and operates ORBARK PRODUCTIONS. Their credits include projects for Atlantic, Capitol, CBS, Epic, MCA, the Warner Brothers record labels and several feature films. He was jazz consultant for Academy Award winning director, Sam Mendes, on the DreamWorks Pictures feature film "Road to Perdition", starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, where he also had a cameo appearance. Recent projects includes the critically acclaimed documentary “Beauty Rises: Four Lives in the Arts”, produced by WTTW and the Illinois Arts Council and “Concierto for Generation I”, a work commissioned by Nissan/Infiniti, inspired by the 2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan. “Concierto for Generation I” was part of the 2007 “Infiniti In Black” national advertising campaign which included a 2-page full-color ad of Orbert and the G35 in Ebony, Vibe, Essence and Black Enterprise magazines as well as online video documentary presentations. Orbert's 2004 CD release entitled "Blue Notes", was the follow-up to his critically acclaimed "Priority" CD, which garnered an LA Times 4-star review, hit Top-50 "most played on national radio" Jazz CDs in 2002 and was named Top-10 best Jazz CDs of 2002 by the Chicago Tribune. His latest CD, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s “Collective Creativity”, is slated for release this January 2009. In 1998 Davis and Ingram founded “MusicAlive,” (now the Arts Education outreach arm of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic) an interdisciplinary enrichment program that focuses on teaching life and academic skills through music and the Arts. Currently running in 5 Chicago Public Schools, the program also seeks to create and develop “jazz bands” at the elementary school level through its “Jazz Alive” initiative. Orbert holds a Bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance from DePaul University and a Master’s degree in Jazz Pedagogy from Northwestern University.

Trębacz, kompozytor Orbert Davis jest współzałożycielem, dyrygentem i dyrektorem artystycznym Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, ponad 55 osobowej orkiestry symfonicznej, która wykonuje utwory z różnych stylów jazzowych, z udziałem najsłynniejszych muzyków jazzowych Chicago. Zespół powstał na zaproszenie Jazz Insititute of Chicago na Chicago Jazz Festival w 2004 roku. Orbert jest również profesorem nadzwyczajnym muzyki i dziekanem wydziału Jazzu na University of Illinois w Chicago. Jego, wydana w 2004 dla Blue Notes, płyta „Priority” zdobyła znakomite recenzje i stała się jedną z 50 najbardziej popularnych płyt granych przez ogólnokrajowe rozgłośnie radiowe oraz, znalazła się w Top 10 albumów jazzowych Chicago Tribune.
Projekt jest realizacją tygodniowego, bezpłatnego programu edukacyjnego dla studentów Akademii Muzycznej w Poznaniu, będącego kontynuacją planowanego IV Festiwalu Jazzowego MADE IN CHICAGO. Wybitni muzycy i pedagodzy z Chicago /dyrygent, aranżer, kompozytor i trębacz Orbert Davis oraz soliści : Ari Brown, Mwata Bowden, Nicole Mitchell - instrumenty stroikowe/poprowadzą z muzykami Orkiestry Symfonicznej Akademii Muzycznej w Poznaniu oraz studentami nowo utworzonego Zakładu Muzyki Jazzowej, tygodniowe warsztaty muzyczne, zakończone koncertem finałowym poznańskiej orkiestry, pod dyrekcją Orberta Davisa oraz solistów z Chicago. Będzie to wyjątkowe wydarzenie muzyczne, łączące jazz z brzmieniem orkiestry symfonicznej oraz efekt współpracy studentów Akademii Muzycznej w Poznaniu i wybitnych muzyków z Chicago a zarazem pierwsza w Polsce prezentacja niezwykle popularnego w USA projektu Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. W programie znajdą się utwory specjalnie przygotowane na Poznański koncert.




.. NICOLE MITCHELL (flute, vocal)

.. Virtuoso flutist, composer and leader of a number of ensembles, she heads Black Earth Ensemble, performs with Indigo Trio and Frequency collective, and leads her own quartet. Nicole Mitchell has collaborated with the greatest creative musicians of our time, incl. George Lewis, Miya Masaoka, Anthony Braxton, James Newton, Bill Dixon or Muhal Richard Abrams. In 2008, she released ”Xenogenesis Suite”, a piece inspired by a cult science fiction novel by the black writer Octavia Butler. Commissioned by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, in August 2007 the artist prepared a special project which we are going to hear at this year’s edition of the festival. Featuring pianist Myra Melfrod, it is dedicated to the memory of Alice Coltrane. The 2006 edition of MADE IN CHICAGO saw the unforgettable premiere of Nicole Mitchell’s “Harambee” suite.

Kompozytorka i liderka wielu własnych grup, wirtuozersko gra na wielu rodzajach fletów. Prowadzi “Black Earth Ensemble”, koncertuje z Indigo Trio i kolektywem Frequency. Prowadzi też swój kwartet. Współpracowała z „największymi” kreatywnymi muzykami naszych czasów, takimi jak: George Lewis, Miya Masaoka, Anthony Braxton, James Newton, Bill Dixon czy Muhal Richard Abrams. W 2008 roku wydała „Xenogenesis Suite” – suitę inspirowaną kultową powieścią science fiction czarnoskórej pisarki Octavii Butler. W sierpniu 2007, na specjalne zamówienie Jazz Institute of Chicago artystka przygotowała, z udziałem Myry Melfrod na fortepianie, projekt poświęcony pamięci Alice Coltrane. Na festiwalu MADE IN CHICAGO 2006 zaprezentowała niezapomnianą premierę suity Harambee, w roku 2008 Tribute to Alice Coltrane Project.




.. ARI BROWN (saxes)

.. One of the living legends of AACM. Graduate of Wilson Junior College, which he attended with Roscoe Mitchell, Henry Threadgill, Joseph Jarman and Jack De Johnette. Excellent tenor player, he is also a successful alto, soprano, and piano performer. He draws freely on jazz tradition from bebop to R. Kirk and J. Coltrane. Enjoys great recognition from critics and musicians alike. Has accompanied blues men (B.B. King, Chuck Berry), played bebop (Sonny Sitt), spent two years with Lester Bowie’s group (with which he recorded “All the Magic!”, a tribute album to Louis Armstrong). Performed with Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the premiere performance of Anthony Davis’ jazz opera “Malcolm X”. Former member of Anthony Braxton’s Charlie Parker Project and various ensembles led by Roscoe Mitchell and McCoy Tyner, he is the mainstay of Kahil El’Zabar’s Ritual Trio, as well as heads own quartet, whose concert opened the 2006 edition of MADE IN CHICAGO festival.

Jedna z żyjących legend AACM. Ukończył Wilson Junior College, gdzie jego kolegami z ławy szkolnej byli Roscoe Mitchell, Henry Threadgill, Joseph Jarman i Jack De Johnette. Jest wspaniałym tenorzystą, z powodzeniem gra jednak też i na alcie, sopranie oraz fortepianie. Swobodnie czerpie z jazzowej tradycji od bebopu po dokonania R. Kirka i J. Coltrane’a. Towarzyszył bluesmanom (B.B.King, Chuck Berry), grywał bebop (Sonny Sitt), dwa lata spędził w grupie Lestera Bowiego, nagrywając All the Magic! - album będący hołdem dla Louisa Armstronga. Był członkiem Charlie Parker Project Anthony’ego Braxtona i najróżniejszych grup Roscoe Mitchella i McCoy Tynera. Jest podporą Ritual Trio Kahila El Zabara i prowadzi własny kwartet, którego koncert otworzył festiwal MADE IN CHICAGO 2006.




.. LORIN COHEN (bas)

.. Currently based in Chicago and fluent in a variety of jazz, Latin, and popular music styles, Lorin Cohen is a versatile and sought after acoustic and electric bassist, composer, and arranger. A native of the Chicago area, Lorin's professional musical experiences span North America, Asia and Europe. Lorin was a student of the pioneering bass guitarist Anthony Jackson at The Manhattan School of Music from 1990-1991. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Northwestern University in 1995. He later studied acoustic bass with Larry Gray, Joe Guastefeste (principal bassist with the Chicago Symphony) and, in two life-changing lessons, with the legendary Ray Brown. In 1998, Lorin received the Blue Note Records Scholarship at the Skidmore Jazz Workshop. Lorin performed opposite Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson with the Ryan Cohan Quartet. At the Skidmore Jazz Workshop in Saratoga Springs, New York, Lorin played in the premiere performance of Cohan's jazz suite "One Sky." In addition to the musicians mentioned above, Lorin has also shared the stage with Von Freeman, Ari Brown, Bob Sheppard, Joe Labarbara, and Chuchito Valdes. As a member of trumpeter Orbert Davis's group, Lorin has played at the 2001 Chicago Jazz Festival, and is featured on Davis's latest release "Blue Notes."

Gra na basie elektrycznym i akustycznym, porusza się swobodnie w estetyce muzyki jazzowej, latin i muzyki popularnej. Urodził się w Chicago, swoje profesjonalne doświadczenie zdobywał w Ameryce Północnej, Azji i Europie. Studiował w Manhattan School of Music, następnie ukończył filozofię na Northwestern University, by następnie zgłębiać tajniki gry na akustycznym basie pod okiem Larrego Graya, Joe Guastefestera i legendarnego Raya Browna. W 1998 Lorin otrzymał stypendium Blue Note Records, Skidmore Jazz Workshop w Saratoga Springs (New York). Wpółpracował z wibrafonistą Bobbym Hutchersonem i brał udział w premierowym wykonaniu „One Sky” Ryan Cohan Quartet. Wystepował z takimi artystami, jak Von Freeman, Ari Brown, Bob Sheppard, Joe Labarbara i Chuchito Valdes. Jako członek zespołu Orberta Davisa, Lorin kocertował na Chicago Jazz Festival 2001, jak również brał udział w późniejszych nagraniach grupy.




.. RYAN COHAN (piano)

.. Currently based in Chicago, IL, Ryan maintains a busy schedule as an in demand sideman and composer and has worked with master jazz artists such as: Freddie Hubbard, Regina Carter, Joe La Barbera, Orbert Davis, Pat La Barbera, Curtis Fuller, Jon Faddis, Kurt Elling and others. In 2000, The Illinois Arts Council awarded Ryan an artist's fellowship grant for his work as a composer. As a solo artist, Ryan's recording career began in 1997 with the independent release of Real World featuring many outstanding Chicago jazz instrumentalists, as well as members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, performing a repertoire of all Cohan originals. Ryan cultivated and sharpened his voice over the next few years, and followed Real World with Here and Now late in 2001. Ryan’s current release on the Motema label, One Sky, is receiving critical acclaim on the international jazz scene.

Zamieszkały w Chicago pianista jest niezwykle aktywnym sidemanem i kompozytorem, który współpracował z tak znanymi mistrzami jazzu, jak Freddie Hubbard, Regina Carter, Joe La Barbera, Orbert Davis, Pat La Barbera, Curtis Fuller, Jon Faddis, Kurt Elling i wielu innych. W 2000 został uhonorowany stypendium artystycznym przez Illinois Arts Council. Karierę solową rozpoczął w roku 1997 realizacją autorskiego albumu „Real World”, z udziałem wielu niezależnych instrumentalistów jazzowych z Chicago, jak również członków prestiżowej Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Kontynuacją „Real World” jest płyta „Here and Now”, wydana w 2001 roku. Ostatni album pianistry„One Sky” spotkał się z entuzjastycznym przyjęciem międzynarodowej krytyki i słuchaczy.




.. ERNIE ADAMS (drums)

.. Ernie Adams is one of the most sought after drummers/percussionist, especially in the world of Jazz. He has performed, recorded, and/or toured with such notables as Orbert Davis and his Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra, Al DiMeola, Ramsey Lewis, Joe Williams, Patricia Barber with Stanley Turrentine featuring Dizzy Gillespie, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Richie Cole, James Moody, Ursula Dudziak, Joe Zawinul, Slide Hampton, Arturo Sandoval, Clark Terry, Pharoah Sanders, Ahmad Jamal, Kenny Drew Jr, Grazyna Auguscik, Mike Stern and many others. Ernie can be heard on over 100 music recordings. Under the direction of Mr. Orbert Davis, Ernie is an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a teaching artist for Jazz Alive, an arts education program that uses music to help at risk youth develop life and academic skills.

ERNIE ADAMS jest jednym z najbardziej znaczących perkusistów świata jazzu. Koncertował i nagrywał z tak wybitnymi muzykami, jak Orbert Davis i Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra, Al DiMeola, Ramsey Lewis, Joe Williams, Patricia Barber, Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, James Moody, Ursula Dudziak, Joe Zawinul, Slide Hampton, Arturo Sandoval, Clark Terry, Pharoah Sanders, Ahmad Jamal, Kenny Drew Jr, Grazyna Auguscik, Mike Stern i wielu innych. Ma w swoim dorobku artystycznym udział w nagraniu ponad 100 albumów. Pod kierunkiem Orberta Davisa jest profesorem adiunktem na University of Illinois at Chicago oraz wykładowcą Jazz Alive, programu edukacji artystycznej, który opiera się na idei wykorzystania muzyki do rozwoju umiejętności akademickich.

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