Over the course of twenty recordings as a leader, JD Allen has consistently pursued new avenues of musical exploration. For his fifteenth release for Savant, he has chosen a path that is at once new and ancient. Inspired by NEA Jazz Master pianist-composer Randy Weston’s explorations, JD has immersed his artistry in the musical culture of the Gnawa, the vibrant spirit-music brotherhood of North Africa. About the Gnawa, Weston told this writer for his autobiography, AFRICAN RHYTHMS (2010, Duke University Press), “The Gnawa people and their music represent one of the strongest spiritual connections I’ve ever experienced. The Gnawa actually have a close kinship with African Americans; they’re our brothers and sisters. Their ancestors came from the same…

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please .

« »