Chicago's Symphony Center Presents (SCP) Jazz series welcomes acclaimed saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa and vibraphonist Stefon Harris and Sonic Creed for a double bill on Friday, February 26, at 8:00 p.m. Two of today's most exciting young jazz band leaders, Harris and Mahanthappa showcase their newest projects in this evening of genre-crossing jazz.
Armed with marimbas, vibes and a powerful stage presence, Stefon Harris leads his newest ensemble Sonic Creed. The seasoned young talent joining Harris includes Elena Pinderhughes (flute), Mike Moreno (guitar), James Francies (piano), Joshua Crumbly (bass) and Jonathan Pinson (drums).
Rudresh Mahanthappa's Bird Calls is an ambitious collection of original compositions inspired by the tunes of jazz legend Charlie "Yardbird" Parker which recently earned Mahanthappa places on several 2015 Top 10 Album lists, including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Jazzwise Magazine, the NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll, and the 63rd annual DownBeat International Critics Poll.
The DownBeat poll also named Mahanthappa Rising Star Composer of the Year, and Alto Saxophonist of the Year.
In a recent press release touting the upcoming double bill, Mahanthappa did his best to explain the wide range of stylistic influences that make up his sound:
"Stylistically we traverse lots of different directions.
"There's a bit of my Indian roots in the music, and there are really strong elements of pop and hip-hop and funk, and of course all of the jazz that's happened since Charlie Parker."
Tickets for all Symphony Center Presents Jazz series concerts are available for purchased by phone at (800) 223-7114 or (312) 294-3000; online the Center's official website, or at the Symphony Center box office: 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604.
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