Idris Ackamoor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Idris Ackamoor
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At San Francisco City Hall, March 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Bruce Baker |
| Born | January 9, 1951 Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Origin | Yellow Springs, Ohio, US |
| Genres | Jazz, afrobeat |
Idris Ackamoor (born Bruce Baker, January 9, 1951) is an American musician who plays many instruments. He is also a composer, meaning he writes music. Idris is known for leading the jazz band called The Pyramids. He has many talents, including acting and tap dancing!
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Who is Idris Ackamoor?
Idris Ackamoor was born Bruce Baker in Chicago, Illinois. He is a very creative person. He plays several instruments, especially the saxophone. He also writes his own music and leads his band, The Pyramids.
The Pyramids: A Musical Journey
Idris Ackamoor started his band, The Pyramids, in the early 1970s. This happened when he was studying at Antioch College in Ohio. The band was part of a special music group led by the famous musician Cecil Taylor.
Touring Africa
In the 1970s, The Pyramids went on an amazing tour of Africa. During this trip, they met new musicians and learned about new instruments. This experience greatly influenced their unique sound. After their tour, the band settled down in San Francisco, USA.
Early Music Releases
The Pyramids released some of their first albums themselves. These included Lalibela (1973), King Of Kings (1974), and Birth / Speed / Merging (1976). They sold these albums in a very unique way: right out of the trunks of their cars at concerts! This made their music very special and hard to find.
The Pyramids Today
The band took a break in 1977, but Idris Ackamoor brought The Pyramids back together several times. In recent years, they have released new albums like We Be All Africans and An Angel Fell. Their 2023 album, Afro Futuristic Dreams, was inspired by science fiction writers like Octavia E. Butler and Samuel R. Delany.
Idris Ackamoor's Music
Idris Ackamoor has released many albums, both with The Pyramids and on his own. His music often blends jazz with afrobeat, which is a mix of West African musical styles and jazz.
Solo Albums
- Portrait (1998)
- Centurian (2000)
- Homage to Cuba (2004)
- Shaman! (2020)
Albums with The Pyramids
- An Angel Fell (2018)
- Afro Futuristic Dreams (2023)
Collaborations
Idris Ackamoor has also worked with other musicians. For example, he recorded Ascent of the Nether Creatures in 1980 with Earl Cross, Rashied Al Akbar, and Muhammad Ali.
