Women of Color in Jazz | Juilliard Jazz Dave Brubeck Ensemble
Celebrating Black History Month
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11-Apr-2023
Enjoy two excerpts from an evening focused on the contributions of international women of color in jazz music.
Toshiko Akiyoshi (b. 1929, in Liaoyang, Manchuria)
“A Long Yellow Road”
A pianist and composer who was the first Japanese student admitted to Berklee College of Music, Toshiko Akiyoshi formed her historic 16-piece big band in 1973, which performed her compositions with her husband, the saxophone and flute player Lew Tabackin.
Letta Mbulu (b. 1942, in Soweto, South Africa)
“There’s Music in the Air”
Letta Mbulu is a vocalist and songwriter who came to the U.S. in 1964 due to apartheid. In New York City, she connected with other South African exiles including Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela. She also worked with Cannonball Adderley and Harry Belafonte.
Dave Brubeck Ensemble Coach: Ulysses Owens Jr.
Performed and recorded on April 11, 2023, at Paul Hall
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