SPIRITMUSE PRESENTS

‘Spirit of France’ celebrates the artists whose total desire ‘not to belong’ to a particular trend expanded their horizon by pushing the boundaries of creative music. Recording in caves during the full moon, or in the open air in Ibiza to celebrate the sun - with flutes, cromorne, darbouka and hurdy-gurdy, or with fascinating-sounding unusual instruments and with heavy influences from Indian, African, Arabic, Eastern and Malagasy cultures, that’s what makes this selection so unique.

Freedom and fraternity constitute the fuel - like Don Cherry’s influence on Colin Walcott and Kahil El’Zabar (in the field of jazz), to folk background artists such as Robbie Basho and Sandy Bull. In Europe, the same approach was being manifested in Italy with bassist Marcello Melis, the Sardinian singers from the Gruppo Rubanu, Aktuala and Futuro Antico. In France, Cossi Anatz, Nu Creative Methods and Sonorhc were echoes of the same approach.

‘Spirit of France’ is dedicated in unearthing more than just curiosities – instead focusing on never been reissued, obscure, artist-released music. Carefully curated by Spiritmuse Records’ Mark Gallagher and Thea Ioannou, and joined by young French digger Tom Val, ‘Spirit of France’ is an anthology of obscure spiritual jazz and its’ relationship with deep folk in the ‘70s - ‘80s French underground.

The album’s aim is evident right from the outset, with Rémy Couvez’s aptly named ‘Rêve de Voyage’, illustrating the theme’s quest for imaginary folklore, continued with Workshop de Lyon, Sylvain Kassap, Noco Music, Pân-Râ, L’Empire des Sons, Ghédalia Tazartès and many more.

‘Spirit of France’ is a story of French imaginary folklore, combining spiritual jazz influences and deep folk, at the crossroads of the tribal, the secular and the universal.

Curated by Mark Gallagher, Thea Ioannou and Tom Val

Design and Art Direction by Nep Sidhu

Mastered and Cut by Frank Merritt at The Carvery, London

Liner Notes by Philippe Robert

SPM008

SPM - KEZ007 - 2. Drum Talk (Run’n In The Streets) by SPIRITMUSE RECORDS

Chicago’s legendary spiritual jazz shaman Kahil El’Zabar returns, leading an enviable ensemble of young masters from his hometown!

Kahil El’Zabar delivers yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul. From swinging jazz that sings of his Chicago pedigree, to talking drums and soothing spiritual grooves that reconnect Black Classical Music with its African roots.

This is enchanting, hypnotic spiritual jazz sounds with a powerful message from yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul by Kahil El’Zabar. ‘A Time for Healing’ answers the urgent questions posed by his sold-out ‘America The Beautiful’ album, addressing the state of affairs today whilst calling for a better tomorrow.

The quartet’s line-up is incredible and as ever, with the Chicago legend surrounding himself with the hottest young talent. Sonic scientist, Isaiah Collier joins on saxophone. Suffice to say, he doesn’t disappoint. El’Zabar leads the ensemble through hypnotic groove after groove, providing Collier with ample space to improvise and uplift. Following stand-out performances on ‘America The Beautiful’ and a long-term member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (see ‘Be Known Ancient/Future/Music’), Corey Wilkes, one of best trumpeters in the world today, returns and shines once again. Keyboard wizard Justin Dillard, who truly shone on his collaboration with El’Zabar on ‘Spirit Groove’, returns for another stellar performance, steeped in the heritage of Dr. Lonnie Smith and McCoy Tyner.

Recorded in December 2020 in Chicago, ‘A Time For Healing’ is not only the answer to the urgent questions asked by El’Zabar’s ‘America the Beautiful’; its’ spiritual and ever probing human journey offers a regenerative opus in the face of growing global anxiety. What the world needs right now is exactly what El’Zabar and his quartet have on offer: A Time for Healing.

OUT 4 FEB 2022 on Spiritmuse Records

https://kahilelzabar-is.bandcamp.com/album/a-time-for-healing

Kahil El'Zabar: drums/ earth drum/ cajon/ kalimba/ voice

Corey Wilkes: trumpet/ spirit bowls/ percussion

Justin Dillard: keyboards/ percussion

Isaiah Collier: tenor and soprano sax/ reeds/ percussion

Art & Art Direction: Nep Sidhu

Chicago’s legendary spiritual jazz shaman Kahil El’Zabar returns, leading an enviable ensemble of young masters from his hometown!

Kahil El’Zabar delivers yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul. From swinging jazz that sings of his Chicago pedigree, to talking drums and soothing spiritual grooves that reconnect Black Classical Music with its African roots.

This is enchanting, hypnotic spiritual jazz sounds with a powerful message from yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul by Kahil El’Zabar. ‘A Time for Healing’ answers the urgent questions posed by his sold-out ‘America The Beautiful’ album, addressing the state of affairs today whilst calling for a better tomorrow.

The quartet’s line-up is incredible and as ever, with the Chicago legend surrounding himself with the hottest young talent. Sonic scientist, Isaiah Collier joins on saxophone. Suffice to say, he doesn’t disappoint. El’Zabar leads the ensemble through hypnotic groove after groove, providing Collier with ample space to improvise and uplift. Following stand-out performances on ‘America The Beautiful’ and a long-term member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (see ‘Be Known Ancient/Future/Music’), Corey Wilkes, one of best trumpeters in the world today, returns and shines once again. Keyboard wizard Justin Dillard, who truly shone on his collaboration with El’Zabar on ‘Spirit Groove’, returns for another stellar performance, steeped in the heritage of Dr. Lonnie Smith and McCoy Tyner.

Recorded in December 2020 in Chicago, ‘A Time For Healing’ is not only the answer to the urgent questions asked by El’Zabar’s ‘America the Beautiful’; its’ spiritual and ever probing human journey offers a regenerative opus in the face of growing global anxiety. What the world needs right now is exactly what El’Zabar and his quartet have on offer: A Time for Healing.

OUT 4 FEB 2022 on Spiritmuse Records

https://kahilelzabar-is.bandcamp.com/album/a-time-for-healing

Kahil El'Zabar: drums/ earth drum/ cajon/ kalimba/ voice

Corey Wilkes: trumpet/ spirit bowls/ percussion

Justin Dillard: keyboards/ percussion

Isaiah Collier: tenor and soprano sax/ reeds/ percussion

Art & Art Direction: Nep Sidhu

Chicago’s legendary spiritual jazz shaman Kahil El’Zabar returns, leading an enviable ensemble of young masters from his hometown!

Kahil El’Zabar delivers yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul. From swinging jazz that sings of his Chicago pedigree, to talking drums and soothing spiritual grooves that reconnect Black Classical Music with its African roots.

This is enchanting, hypnotic spiritual jazz sounds with a powerful message from yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul by Kahil El’Zabar. ‘A Time for Healing’ answers the urgent questions posed by his sold-out ‘America The Beautiful’ album, addressing the state of affairs today whilst calling for a better tomorrow.

The quartet’s line-up is incredible and as ever, with the Chicago legend surrounding himself with the hottest young talent. Sonic scientist, Isaiah Collier joins on saxophone. Suffice to say, he doesn’t disappoint. El’Zabar leads the ensemble through hypnotic groove after groove, providing Collier with ample space to improvise and uplift. Following stand-out performances on ‘America The Beautiful’ and a long-term member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (see ‘Be Known Ancient/Future/Music’), Corey Wilkes, one of best trumpeters in the world today, returns and shines once again. Keyboard wizard Justin Dillard, who truly shone on his collaboration with El’Zabar on ‘Spirit Groove’, returns for another stellar performance, steeped in the heritage of Dr. Lonnie Smith and McCoy Tyner.

Recorded in December 2020 in Chicago, ‘A Time For Healing’ is not only the answer to the urgent questions asked by El’Zabar’s ‘America the Beautiful’; its’ spiritual and ever probing human journey offers a regenerative opus in the face of growing global anxiety. What the world needs right now is exactly what El’Zabar and his quartet have on offer: A Time for Healing.

OUT 4 FEB 2022 on Spiritmuse Records

https://kahilelzabar-is.bandcamp.com/album/a-time-for-healing

Kahil El'Zabar: drums/ earth drum/ cajon/ kalimba/ voice

Corey Wilkes: trumpet/ spirit bowls/ percussion

Justin Dillard: keyboards/ percussion

Isaiah Collier: tenor and soprano sax/ reeds/ percussion

Art & Art Direction: Nep Sidhu

Chicago’s legendary spiritual jazz shaman Kahil El’Zabar returns, leading an enviable ensemble of young masters from his hometown!

Kahil El’Zabar delivers yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul. From swinging jazz that sings of his Chicago pedigree, to talking drums and soothing spiritual grooves that reconnect Black Classical Music with its African roots.

This is enchanting, hypnotic spiritual jazz sounds with a powerful message from yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul by Kahil El’Zabar. ‘A Time for Healing’ answers the urgent questions posed by his sold-out ‘America The Beautiful’ album, addressing the state of affairs today whilst calling for a better tomorrow.

‘Time IS’ is the third single from the incredible, highly acclaimed new album ‘A Time for Healing’ by the phenomenal Kahil El’Zabar Quartet. “‘Time IS’ says that rhythm is the force in life the propels all existence. Whomever that are in rhythm, are in life, and therefore, are in time” writes the legendary multi-percussionist and composer in the album’s liner notes. IS stands for Improvised Soul, a term coined to express that improvisation comes from the soul, whatever the genre.

Superbly delivered by El’Zabar and his Quartet - with sonic scientist Isaiah Collier on saxophone, the phenomenal Corey Wilkes on trumpet and wizard Justin Dillard on keys, ‘Time IS’ with its’ groovy, funky, soulful sound, highlights that it indeed, what the world needs right now is exactly what El’Zabar and his Quartet have on offer: A Time for Healing.

OUT 4 FEB 2022 on Spiritmuse Records

https://kahilelzabar-is.bandcamp.com/album/a-time-for-healing

Kahil El'Zabar: drums/ earth drum/ cajon/ kalimba/ voice

Corey Wilkes: trumpet/ spirit bowls/ percussion

Justin Dillard: keyboards/ percussion

Isaiah Collier: tenor and soprano sax/ reeds/ percussion

Art & Art Direction: Nep Sidhu

Chicago’s legendary spiritual jazz shaman Kahil El’Zabar returns with ‘A Time for Healing’, following the acclaimed, worldwide success of ‘America the Beautiful, leading an enviable ensemble of young masters from his hometown. This is enchanting, ‘spiritual groove’ jazz sounds with a powerful message from yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul by Kahil El’Zabar, with the album release in FEB 2021.

‘Eddie Harris’ is the second single from this phenomenal album, where the AACM hot-housed Kahil El’Zabar pays a special respect to his late mentor, dedicating this “electrifying” number to tenor legend and electrified sax pioneer Eddie Harris. “‘Eddie Harris’ is a prime example of the magic that a human being with profound focus can bring to the world. Mr. Harris is another truly under-recognized genius, so deserving of greater recognition. He was an important mentor and hero in my life”, writes Kahil El’Zabar in the album’s liner notes.

Eddie Harris, is indeed long undervalued, but his footprint nonetheless persists, as ‘Freedom Jazz Dance’, written by Harris, has now become a jazz anthem, with renowned DJs no-less-than Theo Parris, turn new audiences on to Eddie Harris’ avant-garde grooves. A beautiful rendition of the track has been performed many-a-time by El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble.

And it couldn’t be a more fitting tribute for this much-undervalued pioneer than ‘Eddie Harris’, this funky hoochie coochie pepped, steppin’ out groove of his name, superbly delivered by El’Zabar and his Quartet, with sonic scientist Isaiah Collier on saxophone, the incredible Corey Wilkes on trumpet and wizard Justin Dillard on keys.

Recorded in December 2020 in Chicago, ‘Eddie Harris’ is an ode of gratitude by a Chicago legend to another; written by Kahil El’Zabar and performed superbly his Quartet, it’s a fitting celebration for this unappreciated giant.

OUT 4 FEB 2022 on Spiritmuse Records

https://kahilelzabar-is.bandcamp.com/album/a-time-for-healing

Kahil El'Zabar: drums/ earth drum/ cajon/ kalimba/ voice

Corey Wilkes: trumpet/ spirit bowls/ percussion

Justin Dillard: keyboards/ percussion

Isaiah Collier: tenor and soprano sax/ reeds/ percussion

Art & Art Direction: Nep Sidhu

This is ‘A Time for Healing’, the title track and first single from the forthcoming release by Chicago’s legendary spiritual jazz shaman Kahil El’Zabar’, leading an enviable ensemble of upcoming masters from his hometown.

“‘A Time For Healing’ channels the atavistic spirit of that whole lineage by making rhythmic footprints in the African sands. The evocative spiritual trinket percussion of Stanley Cowell and presence of Pharoah Sanders can be felt keenly on this humble but urgently expressed offering of jug poured and tines thumbed kalimba, swift-of-wing spiraled and rasped saxophone, and yearned, soothed trumpet righteousness” writes Dominic Valvona in the album’s liner notes.

This is enchanting, hypnotic spiritual jazz sounds with a powerful message from yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul by Kahil El’Zabar. ‘A Time for Healing’ answers the urgent questions posed by his sold-out ‘America The Beautiful’ album, addressing the state of affairs today whilst calling for a better tomorrow.

The quartet’s line-up is incredible and as ever, with the Chicago legend surrounding himself with the hottest young talent. Sonic scientist, Isaiah Collier joins on saxophone. Suffice to say, he doesn’t disappoint. El’Zabar leads the ensemble through hypnotic groove after groove, providing Collier with ample space to improvise and uplift. Following stand-out performances on ‘America The Beautiful’ and a long-term member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (see ‘Be Known Ancient/Future/Music’), Corey Wilkes, one of best trumpeters in the world today, returns and shines once again. Keyboard wizard Justin Dillard, who truly shone on his collaboration with El’Zabar on ‘Spirit Groove’, returns for another stellar performance, steeped in the heritage of Dr. Lonnie Smith and McCoy Tyner.

Recorded in December 2020 in Chicago, ‘A Time For Healing’ is not only the answer to the urgent questions asked by El’Zabar’s ‘America the Beautiful’; its’ spiritual and ever probing human journey offers a regenerative opus in the face of growing global anxiety. What the world needs right now is exactly what El’Zabar and his quartet have on offer: A Time for Healing.

https://kahilelzabar-is.bandcamp.com/album/a-time-for-healing

Chicago’s legendary spiritual jazz shaman Kahil El’Zabar returns, leading an enviable ensemble of young masters from his hometown!

Kahil El’Zabar delivers yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul. From swinging jazz that sings of his Chicago pedigree, to talking drums and soothing spiritual grooves that reconnect Black Classical Music with its African roots.

This is enchanting, hypnotic spiritual jazz sounds with a powerful message from yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul by Kahil El’Zabar. ‘A Time for Healing’ answers the urgent questions posed by his sold-out ‘America The Beautiful’ album, addressing the state of affairs today whilst calling for a better tomorrow.

The quartet’s line-up is incredible and as ever, with the Chicago legend surrounding himself with the hottest young talent. Sonic scientist, Isaiah Collier joins on saxophone. Suffice to say, he doesn’t disappoint. El’Zabar leads the ensemble through hypnotic groove after groove, providing Collier with ample space to improvise and uplift. Following stand-out performances on ‘America The Beautiful’ and a long-term member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (see ‘Be Known Ancient/Future/Music’), Corey Wilkes, one of best trumpeters in the world today, returns and shines once again. Keyboard wizard Justin Dillard, who truly shone on his collaboration with El’Zabar on ‘Spirit Groove’, returns for another stellar performance, steeped in the heritage of Dr. Lonnie Smith and McCoy Tyner.

Recorded in December 2020 in Chicago, ‘A Time For Healing’ is not only the answer to the urgent questions asked by El’Zabar’s ‘America the Beautiful’; its’ spiritual and ever probing human journey offers a regenerative opus in the face of growing global anxiety. What the world needs right now is exactly what El’Zabar and his quartet have on offer: A Time for Healing.

OUT 4 FEB 2022 on Spiritmuse Records

https://kahilelzabar-is.bandcamp.com/album/a-time-for-healing

Kahil El'Zabar: drums/ earth drum/ cajon/ kalimba/ voice

Corey Wilkes: trumpet/ spirit bowls/ percussion

Justin Dillard: keyboards/ percussion

Isaiah Collier: tenor and soprano sax/ reeds/ percussion

Art & Art Direction: Nep Sidhu

Chicago’s legendary spiritual jazz shaman Kahil El’Zabar returns, leading an enviable ensemble of young masters from his hometown!

Kahil El’Zabar delivers yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul. From swinging jazz that sings of his Chicago pedigree, to talking drums and soothing spiritual grooves that reconnect Black Classical Music with its African roots.

This is enchanting, hypnotic spiritual jazz sounds with a powerful message from yet another epic double LP’s worth of ancient/future music for the mind, body and soul by Kahil El’Zabar. ‘A Time for Healing’ answers the urgent questions posed by his sold-out ‘America The Beautiful’ album, addressing the state of affairs today whilst calling for a better tomorrow.

The quartet’s line-up is incredible and as ever, with the Chicago legend surrounding himself with the hottest young talent. Sonic scientist, Isaiah Collier joins on saxophone. Suffice to say, he doesn’t disappoint. El’Zabar leads the ensemble through hypnotic groove after groove, providing Collier with ample space to improvise and uplift. Following stand-out performances on ‘America The Beautiful’ and a long-term member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (see ‘Be Known Ancient/Future/Music’), Corey Wilkes, one of best trumpeters in the world today, returns and shines once again. Keyboard wizard Justin Dillard, who truly shone on his collaboration with El’Zabar on ‘Spirit Groove’, returns for another stellar performance, steeped in the heritage of Dr. Lonnie Smith and McCoy Tyner.

Recorded in December 2020 in Chicago, ‘A Time For Healing’ is not only the answer to the urgent questions asked by El’Zabar’s ‘America the Beautiful’; its’ spiritual and ever probing human journey offers a regenerative opus in the face of growing global anxiety. What the world needs right now is exactly what El’Zabar and his quartet have on offer: A Time for Healing.

OUT 4 FEB 2022 on Spiritmuse Records

https://kahilelzabar-is.bandcamp.com/album/a-time-for-healing

Kahil El'Zabar: drums/ earth drum/ cajon/ kalimba/ voice

Corey Wilkes: trumpet/ spirit bowls/ percussion

Justin Dillard: keyboards/ percussion

Isaiah Collier: tenor and soprano sax/ reeds/ percussion

Art & Art Direction: Nep Sidhu