Kahil El'Zabar is an avant-garde jazz percussionist, composer, and band leader known for his spiritual and rhythmically complex style that delves into the ancestral roots of African music and its modern improvisational spirit. Hailing from Chicago, El'Zabar has been a notable figure in the world of experimental and spiritual jazz since the 1970s. He is a multi-instrumentalist who, in addition to drums, is adept with a wide range of traditional African instruments.

Throughout his illustrious career, El'Zabar has been affiliated with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), an organization that has fostered numerous groundbreaking artists in the sphere of jazz. With a rich discography that explores different facets of jazz and its intersections with other musical traditions, Kahil El'Zabar's work often reflects his commitment to cultural expression and collaboration. Whether it is paying tribute to jazz greats, as in "Spirit Gatherer: Tribute to Don Cherry," or exploring themes of social consciousness in "Kahil El’Zabar’s America the Beautiful," his music continually seeks to convey a message that transcends beyond the boundaries of musical notes. His approach to music treats it as a transformative force, one that can heal, connect, and elevate the human spirit, which is also reflected in the contemplative titles of his works, such as "How Can We Mend a Broken Heart" and "Holy Man."

Genres

Spiritual Jazz

Latest Release

Open Me, A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit

Ethnic Heritage Ensemble•

Kahil El'Zabar

Album - 12 Tracks - Released March 8, 2024