Big tip! This is it! Chicago spiritual jazz master Kahil El'Zabar delivers one of the most powerful live recordings in recent memory! Captured over two unforgettable nights at "mu" in London - July 15th & 16th, 2024 - this is music as ancient ritual, as communion, as healing force. El'Zabar created new material specifically for these performances, alongside reimagined arrangements of classics like Wayne Shorter's "Footprints", Gershwin's "Summertime", and Duke Ellington & Juan Tizol's "Caravan". The result is absolutely stunning - raw, expansive, transcendent, and deeply attuned to the healing energy of rhythm.
The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble lineup is incredible: Corey Wilkes on trumpet and percussion, Alex Harding on baritone sax, and Ishmael Ali on cello, with El'Zabar himself commanding multi-percussion (kalimba, cajon, drums) and voice. These four musicians are so deeply connected, moving as one organism through improvisation and spirit, creating that profound telepathic communication that only happens when the music is completely alive and in the moment. This is ensemble playing of the highest order! The concept behind this recording is essential - El'Zabar and Spiritmuse Records purposefully chose to record new material in a live audience environment at "mu", an audiophile space designed for immersive, healing musical experiences. The goal was to capture that ancient feeling of connectedness, that ritual communion through sound that can only happen when artists and community are truly present together. And they succeeded beyond measure! You can feel the energy in every note, every rhythm, every breath. This is music that speaks about release, freedom, revelation, and empowerment.
El'Zabar's message is both uplifting and urgent: "We, the people of spirit, will rise to a higher consciousness beyond these darkest times, forging telepathic kinships of empowered Love. Jump and Shout, Let the Spirit Out!" This is spiritual jazz at its most powerful and necessary - music that doesn't just entertain but transforms, heals, and liberates. The improvisational flow becomes a vessel for something beyond words, where spirit is not confined but constantly unfolding and communicating directly with those who listen deeply.
Produced to Spiritmuse Records' highest quality standards, with stunning artwork by Nep Sidhu, recorded and mixed by Juan Blanco, mastered by Caspar Sutton-Jones, and beautifully photographed by David Biddlecombe. The release includes a dedicated microsite with reflections and testimonials from artists and writers who witnessed these extraordinary nights. This is essential listening for anyone who understands that music can be a force for healing and transformation! Highest recommendations! Let the spirit out!
