Tue Mar 25
American Rhapsody--Native American, African, European music of the 17th Century
"incredible virtuosity...stunningly entertaining.” Los Angeles Times
"Music for the head and the heart" The Washington Post
"Burnett Thompson brings the touch of Bill Evans, a capacity to swing like mad...a mainstream master." JazzTimes
Pianist/Arranger Burnett Thompson, Bassist Alex Blake, and tabla virtuoso Hamid Habib Zadah join forces to bring music of 17th century in the Americas, home to cultures from three continents: Africa, Europe and the New World itself. Music of three complex spheres 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 Europe and the U.S.
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 and collaborations throughout China and Europe. His recordings and compositions are inspired by ancient texts, literature, folk melodies and the jazz canon.