Abshalom Ben Shlomo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abshalom Ben Shlomo
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Virgil C. Pumphrey |
| Also known as | Absholom ben Shlomo, Abshlom ben Shlomo |
| Born | November 11, 1943 Chicago, Illinois |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | July 16, 2024 (aged 80) |
| Genres | Jazz, Free jazz, Avant-garde jazz, Experimental jazz |
| Occupation(s) | musician |
| Instruments | Alto saxophone, clarinet, flute |
| Years active | 1966–2024 |
| Labels | Shandar, MPS Records, Transparency |
| Associated acts | Sun Ra Arkestra, AACM |
Abshalom ben Shlomo (born November 11, 1943 – died July 16, 2024) was a talented Israeli-American jazz musician. He played the saxophone and was especially known for his work with the famous jazz bandleader Sun Ra during the 1970s.
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Abshalom ben Shlomo was born Virgil C. Pumphrey in Chicago, Illinois. This was on November 11, 1943. His journey into the world of jazz music began through an important group called the AACM. This group is a respected arts organization in Chicago.
Before joining the AACM, he studied music with Joe Daley. Daley was a great tenor sax player from Chicago. Virgil Pumphrey, as he was known then, became an important early member of the AACM.
Playing with Sun Ra and Other Musicians
Abshalom ben Shlomo first met Sun Ra by chance in Chicago around 1960. He was still a teenager at the time. In 1970, he officially joined Sun Ra's band, the Arkestra. He became known as a "Creative Tone Scientist" with the group.
He played on some notable recordings with Sun Ra & the Arkestra. These included the album "Black Myth/Out in Space." He also performed in shows like the Nuits de la Fondation Maeght in 1970. These performances were later released as an album in 1971.
Besides the saxophone, ben Shlomo also played the clarinet, flute, and percussion. He worked with many famous jazz musicians. These included free jazz legends like Pharoah Sanders and Anthony Braxton. He also collaborated with Henry Threadgill, a longtime friend from his early days with the AACM.
In the mid-1970s, ben Shlomo moved to Arad, Israel. He kept strong connections with the local Hebrew-Yisraelite community there.
Later Years and Legacy
Abshalom ben Shlomo lived in Israel for over 40 years. He continued to develop his unique musical style, which he called "Tone Science." His main music group was called The Abshalom Ben Shlomo Ethnic Experience. This group performed regularly.
In 2014, ben Shlomo was part of the Sun Ra "Centennial Dream" Arkestra. This special group was led by Marshall Allen. Abshalom ben Shlomo passed away on July 16, 2024. His music and contributions to jazz continue to be remembered.
