Babatunde – photo by-Curtis-Thomson
This Saturday, December 17, Jazz At Studio Z presents the Babatunde Lea Sextet premiering the “New Rituals of Unity” suite, co-composed by Babatunde Lea and sideman Zacc Harris, based on a series of traditional West African chants.
As always, the concert will feature two sets of music starting at 7p with a master class preceding it at 6p. For this show’s master class, we will be doing a live podcast for the second time, presenting a conversation with Lea in front of a live audience.
Advanced tickets are available for $10 at http://
Babatunde Lea – percussion
Brandon Wozniak – tenor saxophone
JC Sanford – trombone
Zacc Harris – guitar
Phil Aaron – piano
Graydon Peterson – bass
About the Artist:
Babatunde Lea’s vast experience of over 50 years as a master percussionist, as well as the spiritual depth and resonance he brings to everything he does, has made him one of the most esteemed musicians of the past half century. The way that music connects with audiences and with the rhythms of our everyday lives is essential to his musical philosophy: “I draw a lot from African culture, and one of the main things I’ve come to understand is that music is functional; in African culture, music accompanies everything… from birth ceremonies to funerals. The music is there to open people up to the deepest experiences of life. Music is a resource like oil or water; it does the bidding of who controls it. For my part, I know exactly what I want done with the energy I create with my music. It is my wish that my music will empower people to look within and become agents of peace and change in their hearts, in their families and in the world at large.”
He has performed and recorded with luminaries such as Stan Getz, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Van Morrison, Leon Thomas, and Pharoah Sanders.
About the Master Class:
At 6p, JASZ will record the second episode of the Jazz At Studio Z Podcast, presenting a conversation about music with Babatunde and a live audience. All are welcome to attend.
–Studio Z is located on the second floor of the Northwestern Building in lowertown St. Paul, at 275 E 4th Street, on the corner of 4th and Wall. There is street parking available plus several lots, including the Farmers Market and the Union Depot lots.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Also, a big thanks to our sponsors:
Riverview Wine Bar
Total Freedom Realty
Saturday Night Jazz At the Black Dog
More info at
www.jazzatstudioz.org
