Kahil El'Zabar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kahil El'Zabar |
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| Background information | |
| Born | November 11, 1953 Chicago, Illinois |
| Genres | Bebop Afro-Cuban jazz Free jazz |
| Instruments | Percussion, drums |
Kahil El'Zabar (born Clifton Blackburn on November 11, 1953) is an amazing American musician. He is a jazz multi-instrumentalist, which means he plays many different instruments. His main instrument is percussion, like drums. He is also a talented composer, creating his own music. He often records his music with a company called Delmark Records.
About Kahil El'Zabar
Early Life and Music Journey
Kahil El'Zabar was born in Chicago, Illinois. He went to Lake Forest College. In the early 1970s, he joined a special group called the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). This group helps musicians create new and exciting music. By 1975, Kahil El'Zabar became the chairman of the AACM.
Forming Music Groups
In the 1970s, Kahil El'Zabar started two important music groups. One was called the Ritual Trio. The other was the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. Both of these groups are still making music today!
Collaborating with Other Artists
Kahil El'Zabar has worked with many famous musicians. Some of these include Cannonball Adderley, Billy Bang, Dizzy Gillespie, David Murray, Pharoah Sanders, Paul Simon, Nina Simone, and Stevie Wonder. Working with such a variety of artists shows how versatile and respected he is in the music world.
A Film About His Life
In 2017, a film was made about Kahil El'Zabar. It's called Be Known - The Mystery of Kahil El Zabar. This documentary follows him and his band. It shows their tour during Black History Month in 2007. The film helps people learn more about his music and his life.
Kahil El'Zabar's Music
Kahil El'Zabar has released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his recordings, both as a leader and with his groups:
Albums as a Leader or Co-Leader
- Golden Sea (1989) - with David Murray
- Return of the Lost Tribe (1998) - as Bright Moments
- One World Family (2000) - with David Murray
- Spirits Entering (2001) - with Billy Bang
- Love Outside of Dreams (2002) - with David Murray
- We Is (2004) - with David Murray
- Transmigration (2007)
- What It Is! (2013)
- Kahil El’Zabar’s Spirit Groove (2020) - with David Murray
- Kahil El'Zabar's America the Beautiful (2020)
Albums with Ethnic Heritage Ensemble
- Three Gentlemen From Chicago (1981)
- Impressions (1982)
- Welcome (1984)
- Ancestral Song (1988)
- Hang Tuff (1991)
- Dance with the Ancestors (1993)
- 21st Century Union March (1997)
- The Continuum (1997)
- Papa's Bounce (1998)
- Freedom Jazz Dance (1999)
- Ka-Real (2000)
- Hot 'N' Heavy (2007)
- Mama's House (2009)
- Black is Back (2014)
- Be Known Ancient/Future/Music (2019)
Albums with Ritual Trio
- The Ritual (1985)
- Sacred Love (1985)
- Another Kind of Groove (1986) - with Billy Bang
- Alika Rising (1990)
- Renaissance of the Resistance (1994)
- Big Cliff (1995) - with Billy Bang
- Jitterbug Junction (1997)
- Conversations (1999) - with Archie Shepp
- Africa N'Da Blues (2000) - with Archie Shepp, Pharoah Sanders
- Live at the River East Art Center (2005) - with Billy Bang
- Big M: A Tribute to Malachi Favors (2006) - with Billy Bang
- Ooh Live (2008) - with Pharoah Sanders
- The Ancestors Are Amongst Us (2010) - with Lester Bowie
- Follow the Sun (2013)
Albums with Tri-Factor
- The Power (2000) - with Hamiet Bluiett, Billy Bang
- If You Believe (2002)
Albums with Kahil El'Zabar Quartet
- A Time For Healing (2022)
Albums as a Sideman
- With David Murray:
- A Sanctuary Within (1991)
- The Tip (1994)
- Jug-A-Lug (1994)
- With Wadada Leo Smith:
- Procession of the Great Ancestry (1989)
