friday night jazz

They put the BLUE in blues and were not afraid to keep the stories of life real and raw in their music. BB was known as the “King” and Muddy was known as the “Father” of the Blues. Vocalist and guitarist Rich Tucker took us to those “Down Home Blues.”

This special holiday commemorates the date in 1865 when news arrived to the enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas of their emancipation from slavery. This multi-faceted celebration featured The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble performing selections from the jazz opera, Never Back Down and the music of King Sunny Ade, Archie Shepp, and Max Roach, along with a special poetry and music performance by the award-winning Black lyricist and author, Nina "Lyrispect" Ball. An evening to celebrate the determination of the human spirit in pursuit of freedom. In partnership with the African American Museum of Philadelphia.

The music of Jamaica has often been an inspiration to and inspired by jazz music and musicians. The pulsating rhythms ring true to the freedom found in much of jazz. Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved” and John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” brought a unique consciousness to reggae and jazz. The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble was joined by vocalist Roy Richardson.