Sunday, October 23, 2022 - The Makanda Project - work of Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre

Come celebrate the Brooklyn debut of the extraordinary Makanda Project, a 13-piece ensemble that has become an important part of the Boston jazz scene. Led by pianist, bandleader and arranger, John Kordalewski, the Makanda Project explores and celebrates the richness of the unrecorded music of multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre.

Makanda, who lived and taught in New York, was known primarily for leading his own ensembles and had 12 recordings as a leader-- performing on alto saxophone, flute, bass clarinet, oboe and bassoon. But he was also a prolific composer. When Makanda died in 2001, his family found over 350 pieces that had not been recorded.

John has written arrangements to over 60 of Makanda’s compositions. They are marked by a distinctive rhythmic and lyrical quality that will surprise and delight you. Makanda’s compositions cover a wide range, including "straight ahead" jazz pieces, gorgeous ballads, pieces based on complex rhythmic structures, calypsos, and "free jazz" pieces.

Help us welcome the band for its first Brooklyn appearance! The event will be both in-person and live streamed – we have a large venue and hope to have as many people there as possible.

The venue is NOT wheelchair accessible, and masks must be worn. There will be space for social distancing. The event is free, but we strongly urge you to register in advance. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Personnel:

Kurtis Rivers - alto saxophone
Lee Odom - alto saxophone, flute, clarinet
Sean Berry - tenor saxophone
Temidayo Balogun - tenor saxophone
Charlie Kohlhase - baritone saxophone
Jerry Sabatini - trumpet
Haneef Nelson - trumpet
Alfred Patterson - trombone
Richard Harper - trombone, piano
Bill Lowe - bass trombone
John Kordalewski - piano
Wes Brown - bass
Yoron Israel - drums

Mickey Davidson, Trashina Conner, Adante Powers - dance