- To quote a line from a favorite tune.
These pages are intended to provide information about artists performing
Black Classical Music,
primarily in the Philadelphia area although items for NYC and the general
region will also be found.
Many different kinds of music fall under the jazz umbrella, including the
popular contemporary styles
that pay deserved homage to the rich historical tradition of Black Classical
Music
(Rahsaan Roland Kirk and others preferred that term).
But other forms abound and are often under represented in the media.
The music referred to here often contains more emotional impact and gives
a higher credence
to inspirational content than to a strictly polished form more consistent
with European influenced music.
There are strong African and Caribbean as well as blues influences on this
music
that has strong ties to John Coltrane's spiritually driven work.
Performers like Pharoah Sanders, David Murray, Khan Jamal, Odean Pope, Byard
Lancaster,
Ahmed Abdullah, Sunny Murray and the Sun Ra Arkestra
among many others are representatives of this sound.
Some of these musicians are fairly well known, others deserving of more
recognition.
It is my hope to provide a forum where information about this style
or approach to music can be found.
.
What You'll Find:
The Philadelphia Story - a growing
list of Philly's contributions
List
of Artists - photos, some descriptions, links when possible
Audio
Files - representative sounds of some of the musicians
Artists
In Economic Exile - presently dedicated to Joe Lee Wilson
Music
Links- other music oriented web sites related in theme
Other Links
all images copyright K W Billerts 1997 except where noted
text can be used if credited to K W Billerts
and I am notified by email