THE ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE

EHE was formed in 1974 shortly after Sir Kahil El’Zabar graduated from Lake Forest College, with the goal “To combine concepts of African American music with its earlier roots in traditional African music, to produce new motifs and sounds true to their origins yet firmly pointed in a new artistic direction of ‘enlightenment and deep listening.’” Half a century later and the rich, compelling, ever-evolving sound they are known for is still going strong. Together with the Art Ensemble of Chicago, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble is one of the two remaining original groups active in the world today that were nurtured in the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians).

“I KNEW IN MY HEART THIS BAND WOULD ENDURE.”

El’Zabar attests. “My concept was based in logic as it pertains to the history of Great Black Music.”

In other words, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble has a strong rhythmic foundation, innovative harmonics and counterpoint, well-balanced interplay and polyphony among the players for highly developed ensemble dynamics. They are strong individual soloists with an in-depth grasp of music history, originality, fearlessness and deep spirituality.

Alongside multi-faceted El’Zabar, the EHE’s current line-up includes Corey Wilkes on trumpet, who has worked with the AACM, Roy Hargrove, James Carter and numerous other jazz masters; Alex Harding on baritone sax, who has performed with Dollar Brand, Julius Hemphill, Sun Ra, and Fela! The Musical; and the newest member, Ishmael Ali, an exceptional cellist who worked with Angel Bat Dawit, Edward Wilkinson, Avril Ra. They whip up an electrifying mix of spiritual jazz and African rhythms built around fundamental brass improvisations and a swing-induced groove. The resulting trance-like fervor transports one into a mind-opening journey of spiritually enlightened deep listening.