Chicago’s legendary spiritual jazz shaman Kahil El’Zabar returns with ‘A Time for Healing’, following the acclaimed, worldwide success of ‘America the Beautiful, leading an enviable ensemble of young masters from his hometown. This is enchanting, ‘spiritual groove’ jazz sounds with a powerful message from yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul by Kahil El’Zabar, with the album release in FEB 2021.
‘Eddie Harris’ is the second single from this phenomenal album, where the AACM hot-housed Kahil El’Zabar pays a special respect to his late mentor, dedicating this “electrifying” number to tenor legend and electrified sax pioneer Eddie Harris. “‘Eddie Harris’ is a prime example of the magic that a human being with profound focus can bring to the world. Mr. Harris is another truly under-recognized genius, so deserving of greater recognition. He was an important mentor and hero in my life”, writes Kahil El’Zabar in the album’s liner notes.
Eddie Harris, is indeed long undervalued, but his footprint nonetheless persists, as ‘Freedom Jazz Dance’, written by Harris, has now become a jazz anthem, with renowned DJs no-less-than Theo Parris, turn new audiences on to Eddie Harris’ avant-garde grooves. A beautiful rendition of the track has been performed many-a-time by El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble.
And it couldn’t be a more fitting tribute for this much-undervalued pioneer than ‘Eddie Harris’, this funky hoochie coochie pepped, steppin’ out groove of his name, superbly delivered by El’Zabar and his Quartet, with sonic scientist Isaiah Collier on saxophone, the incredible Corey Wilkes on trumpet and wizard Justin Dillard on keys.
Recorded in December 2020 in Chicago, ‘Eddie Harris’ is an ode of gratitude by a Chicago legend to another; written by Kahil El’Zabar and performed superbly his Quartet, it’s a fitting celebration for this unappreciated giant.
OUT 4 FEB 2022 on Spiritmuse Records
https://kahilelzabar-is.bandcamp.com/album/a-time-for-healing
Kahil El'Zabar: drums/ earth drum/ cajon/ kalimba/ voice
Corey Wilkes: trumpet/ spirit bowls/ percussion
Justin Dillard: keyboards/ percussion
Isaiah Collier: tenor and soprano sax/ reeds/ percussion
Art & Art Direction: Nep Sidhu
