American Rhapsody: PianoJazz DC

Alex Blake, Hamid Habib Zadah, Burnett Thompson

Bassist Alex Blake, tabla virtuoso Hamid Habib Zadah, and pianist/arranger Burnett Thompson combine to bring music of  17th century in the Americas, home to music from three continents: Africa, Europe and the New World itself. Music of three complex cultures soared side by side from the inception of what became America and the United States. American Rhapsody presents beautiful and compelling performances of these melodies, recorded for vinyl records, CD and digital distribution, with performances in Washington, DC, Rome, Italy and New York City.

The program combines 16th and 17th century Native American, African and European music, providing a side-by-side experience, a revelation for the listener.

Bassist Alex Blake began his career with Sun Ra, followed by tours with Dizzy Gillespie, Pharoah Sanders and a who's who of jazz giants over the decades.  Alex worked for 25 years with NEA Jazz Master  Randy Weston, in addition to touring for ten years with Manhattan Transfer.

Tabla virtuoso Hamid Habib Zadeh hails from Herat, Afghanistan.  He attended conservatories in Herat and Kabul, and after arrival in the U.S. was a featured soloist with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, in addition to concerts in New York and Washington, DC.

Pianist and arranger Burnett Thompson is inspired by his travels throughout China and Europe.  His recordings and compositions are inspired by ancient texts, literature, folk melodies and the jazz canon.