Tonight, Lester Bowie meets Louis Moholo and the African Drum
Orchestra. Former Blue Notes drummer Louis Moholo made his home in London in the sixties after exiling himself from the apartheid regime in his native South Africa. He joined Brotherhood of Breath and became one of the leading figures in the European avant-garde with his groups Spirits Rejoice, Viva la Black and the Dedication Orchestra.
Contemporary jazz and African rhythms are fused and explored in tonight's concert, recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hall last November, when Moholo teamed up with long-time collaborator Lester Bowie ,
Brass Fantasy, a seven-piece percussion orchestra, and a group of soloists including Orphy Robinson
(marimba), Jason Yarde (sax), Steve Beresford (bass) and Francine Luce (vocals). The Art Ensemble of Chicago formed more than 30 years ago, growing out of the innovative and experimental collective the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians in Chicago. Their music combines an avant-garde sensibility with deep respect and empathy for African roots and traditions. The players adopt lavish costumes and make-up and perform their music vibrantly in live shows. With contributions from past and present band members, the programme explores their story.
Producers Lyn Champion and Steve Shepherd