Ahmed Abdullah – Harlem Afternoon Jazz Series
Ahmed Abdullah was born and raised in Harlem however, this is only the first time he has performed in Harlem with his own band. Ahmed has been leading a band since 1972. Over the years he has worked with or recorded with bands led by Sam Rivers, Sun Ra, Rashied Ali, Ed Blackwell, Billy Bang, Arthur Blythe and Bluiett. Ahmed has been involved with notable collective ensembles like The Melodic Art-Tet, The Group and NAM. Abdullah has twelve recordings as a leader and is on at least other 25 recordings. Besides playing trumpet, composing, singing, curating and educating, Ahmed is also a writer and has written a thesis that defines the art-form he is concerned with as Jazz: A Music of the Spirit. Ahmed currently teaches a Sun Ra Music and Philosophy course at the New School and is a NYC Department of Education Fellow teaching music to children.
The band that will be performing today is called Diaspora which is an acronym meaning Dispersions of the Spirit of Ra. This band performs the music of the African Diaspora mixed with the music of Sun Ra. It also includes poetry.
August 4 2015 – Price $15
1st set: Noon – 12:45pm (15-min break) 2nd set: 1:00 – 1:45pm
House doors open at 11:30am
Rendall Memorial Presbyterian Church
59 West 137th Street New York, NY 10037
http://www.welcometoharlemcalendar.com/index.php?eID=10500