The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia (UBC) presents The Jazz Epistles: Abdullah Ibrahim with guest Terence Blanchard in a rare tribute concert, February 18 at 7pm in the Chan Shun Concert Hall. Half a century after the release of their landmark album, Jazz Epistle Verse 1, iconic keyboardist and Jazz Epistle alumnus Abdullah Ibrahim revisits the legendary repertoire of his historic South African ensemble. Four-time GRAMMY-winning New Orleans trumpeter Terence Blanchard joins Ibrahim and band Ekaya as guest performer of these jazz masterworks produced during the apartheid struggle.
The Jazz Epistles were South Africa’s first black jazz band to record an album and break onto the world stage. Formed in the early 1950’s and inspired by Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, the group’s all-star members included pianist Dollar Brand, later known as Abdullah Ibrahim, alto-saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi, trombonist Jonas Gwangwa, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, bassist Johnny Gertze, and Early Mabuza on drums.
Top-tier New Orleans trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, who will appear at the Chan Centre alongside Ibrahim, is considered one of the most prolific jazz musicians of our time. Much like Ibrahim, Blanchard’s career is steeped in acclaim and spans more than four decades, plus 30 albums. Blanchard is also a revered film score performer and composer, playing on the soundtracks of Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing and Mo’ Better Blues and composing the score for Lee’s Jungle Fever.
Chan Centre Connects Events (chancentre.com/connects)
A series of ancillary events programmed in conjunction with Chan Centre performances, exploring the role of arts and artists in society.
• Pre-Show Talk – Sunday, February 18, 2018, 6:15pm @ Royal Bank Cinema, the Chan Centre. Nou Dadoun, host of Vancouver Co-op Radio’s A-Trane program, discusses the legacy of The Jazz Epistles and how its members have contributed to the world of jazz. Free for concert ticket holders.
• A Conversation with Abdullah Ibrahim – Monday, February 19, 2018, 7:30pm @ Vancouver Community College (1155 East Broadway). Abdullah Ibrahim talks with CBC Music’s Michael Juk about his career, journey as an artist, and decision to re-visit the iconic Jazz Epistles catalogue. This event is free. Space is limited.
• Film Screening: Abdullah Ibrahim: A Struggle for Love – Thursday, February 8, 2018, 7pm @ The Cinematheque. A meaningful tribute to one of the world’s most legendary jazz musicians, this 2005 documentary by Ciro Cappellari explores the life of South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, covering his extensive musical career, his fight against Apartheid, and his subsequent relationship with the great Duke Ellington. For ticket info, visit chancentre.com/events/film-screening-abdullah-ibrahim-struggle-love/
Chan Centre presents The Jazz Epistles: Abdullah Ibrahim with guest Terence Blanchard
Date: Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 7pm
Ticket prices: From $54
Address: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts University of British Columbia 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Box Office: 604-822-2697 / chancentre.com
In person at the Chan Centre ticket office
Open Tue-Sat, 12pm-5pm
Website: chancentre.com