Ethnic Heritage Ensemble – “Mama’s House Live 35th Anniversary Project” – [Katalyst Entertainment]

Jazz: This is a recording of a live February 2006 performance by the Chicago-based Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (EHE). To say that this band, who through 35 years has had many incarnations, is tied to anything earthly is a misstatement, however. Ever since Kahil El???Zabar returned to Chicago from Ghana and formed the band whose intention was to combine African American music with traditional African music, the EHE has sought to transcend walls that would box music in. Joining the multi-percussionist, vocalist, and composer El???Zabar here are young and talented Corey Wilkes on trumpet and Chicago sax legend Ernest Khabeer Dawkins. Picks: 3, 5, 4.
PGM: All songs end as early as :18 with clapping; 6 includes a retired history professor???s spoken description of griot starting at 1:29.