Kahil El'Zabar

Born in Chicago in 1953, Kahil El'Zabar, initially known as Clifton Blackburn, has since the early 1970s developed a career rooted in Afro-American creative jazz. A percussionist, drummer, multi-instrumentalist and composer, Kahil El'Zabar is part of the AACM's history, of which he became president in 1975, and he links free jazz, bebop, African and Afro-Cuban traditions, with an approach grounded in rhythm, collective improvisation and the ritual dimension of playing. In Chicago he founded two enduring ensembles, Ritual Trio and Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, which occupy a central place in his discography and on his stage. Kahil El'Zabar has also led several projects under his name and recorded with musicians such as David Murray, Archie Shepp, Pharoah Sanders or Billy Bang. Among his discographic milestones are Golden Sea (1989), Transmigration (2007), What It Is! (2013), Kahil El’Zabar’s Spirit Groove (2020), Kahil El'Zabar's America the Beautiful (2020) and A Time For Healing (2022). His music moves between a deep pulse, occasional spoken word, percussive textures and open forms, in an aesthetics where groove remains linked to the Chicago avant-garde heritage.