Performing and recording at the vanguard of the global jazz/music scene for the past five decades, Sir Kahil El’Zabar’s impact on creative music and culture at large is immeasurable.
Known firstly as world renowned multi-percussionist, El’Zabar is also a veteran bandleader, composer, conductor, vocalist, arts curator, and educator. His pioneering sound and improvisational practice, described as his “spiritual groove”, is influential and widespread, inspiring musicians as well as artists across disciplines, who recognize the importance of freedom through artistic expression.
In the late 60’s, a teenage El’Zabar attended classes at The AACM (The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) where he was mentored by its founders Phil Cohran, (an alumni of the Sun Ra Arkestra) and Muhal Richard Abrams (first chairman of the AACM). This is where he honed his chops, and developed concepts alongside legends such as Lester Bowie, Malachi Favors, Anthony Braxton, Henry Threadgill, and Steve McCall to name a few. This period, through the 1970’s was a very fertile music environment in all genres. Young El’Zabar became a very sought after musician in Chicago at that time, performing in multiple genres.
He studied West African music and culture at the University of Ghana as an exchange student before graduating from Lake Forest College in 1973. Shortly after his return he founded The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble in 74’. In 1975 he was elected as chairman of AACM and would serve in this post for nearly a decade. During his tenure he challenged established boundaries, exacting new ways of working, that realized a successful community run organization which still thrives today.
El’Zabar also founded The Ritual Trio, originally featuring Art Ensemble’s Lester Bowie and Malachi Favors, with later recordings including Billy Bang, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, and vocalist Dwight Tribble. This combination of sonic ritual and jazz swing would inspire the conceptual framework for this pioneering band.
El’Zabar’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young and upcoming musicians has inspired a new generation of Chicago masters, such as Corey Wilkes, Junius Paul, Tomeka Reid, Justin Dillard, and Isaiah Collier (naming a few). He continues to facilitate workshops and residencies all over the world as he has done for 30 plus years. Many of these risings starts have been featured on his most recent recordings.
Through his JUBA Collective and Deeper Soul projects, El’Zabar pioneered the fusion of avant-garde jazz, house music, and hip-hop into a new sound. His contributions to the EDM scene were recognized by Iconic DJ’s Osunlade, Henriik Schwarz, and IG Culture who all collaborated on remixings of El’Zabar’s music.
Kahil El’Zabar’s essential albums, recently released on Spiritmuse Records, have rightfully re-established him globally as one of the most authentic leading artists in the contemporary creative music scene. These albums include ‘Spirit Groove’ featuring legendary saxophonist David Murray, the epic & magnificent ‘America the Beautiful’ , and with the Kahil El’Zabar Quartet, 2022’s Grammy nominated ‘A Time For Healing’ now in its third pressing, ‘Spirit Gatherer, Tribute to Don Cherry’ in 2023, a tribute to the late, great spiritual jazz trumpeter, Don Cherry. His most recent release, “Open Me To A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit” has louted incredible press and reviews worldwide, including Top Ten Album of The Year (Downbeat Jazz Mag. 2024).
Sir El’Zabar, was Knighted by the Council General of France for his Global contributions to the Arts. He has performed with luminaries like, Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Eddie Harris, Donny Hathaway, Paul Simon, Ntozake Shange, Nona Hendryx, Neneh Cherry, Hamiet Bluiett, Gene Ammons, and many more. Dr. El’Zabar, holds a PHD also from Lake Forest College in Interdisciplinary Arts. He taught music at the U. Nebraska/Lincoln, and U of IL/Chicago (UIC). He was appointed by Pres. Bill Clinton to the National Task Force for Arts Presenting in Education (1998-2001). He was presented the Cultural Diplomacy Award by the U.S. Embassy (Pres. Barak Obama).
El’zabar, has served on prestigious boards of the Lila Wallace Reader’s Digest Fund, , The National Campaign for the Freedom of Expression, of which he co-founded, and The National Endowment of the Arts Advisory Council. He currently serves on the board of directors for Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, and the advisory panel for African Exhibits : Art Institute of Chicago. He is the conceptual developer and founder of OOH Culture Network, a digital and live events Non-For profit Org.
Kahil El’Zabar has recorded more than 70 acclaimed projects, and is regarded globally as an authentic cultural treasure. He is now one of the last living legends from a revolutionary era of creative expression. His music is prolific, reaching through time to all generations.
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