The Makanda Project

The Makanda Project is an ensemble based in Makanda Ken McIntyre's hometown of Boston and dedicated to continuing Makanda's legacy through the performance of his music - specifically, by playing compositions which Makanda never had the opportunity to record or perform in public.   An enormous body of such work exists, reflecting the full range of his imagination as a composer. The group hopes that there will be a heightened appreciation for Makanda's significance as a musician.

The band, which was formed in 2005, includes some of Boston’s most renowned jazz musicians as well as some members from New York. The leader, pianist John Kordalewski, who studied and performed with Makanda, has written arrangements for the large group, working from the lead sheets in Makanda's notebooks.   For this concert, the Makanda Project is pleased to welcome Philadelphia saxophonist, Odean Pope, as a guest soloist. Also, compositions from the work of the late Bill Barron, a native of Philadelphia, will be performed in addition to the music of Makanda Ken McIntyre. Barron and Makanda were contemporary pioneers of Jazz Education in New York and Connecticut beginning in the 1960's.  And, Bill Barron, elder brother of master pianist Kenny Barron, was a contemporary and friend and musical colleague of John Coltrane, Jimmy Heath and Benny Golson when they were all developing as young lions in Philadelphia in the 1940's and early 1950's.

Doors at The Rotunda will open at 7:30

Kurtis Rivers – alto saxophone

Arni Cheatham – alto saxophone, flute

Odean Pope – tenor saxophone

Lance Bryant – tenor saxophone, flute

Sean Berry – tenor saxophone, flute

Charlie Kohlhase – baritone saxophone

Jerry Sabatini – trumpet

Eddie Allen – trumpet

Robert Stringer – trombone

Bill Lowe – bass trombone, tuba

Diane Richardson – voice

John Kordalewski – piano

John Lockwood – bass

Yoron Israel – drums

Warren Smith – drums, percussion

Mickey Davidson - dance

Admission is FREE