Kingston Welcomes Jazz Legend David Murray for International Jazz Day Concert
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The vibrant sounds of jazz will fill the air in Kingston as Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, has officially invited the renowned tenor saxophonist David Murray to headline this year’s International Jazz Day Concert. Set to take place on Wednesday, April 30, at the picturesque Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, the concert kicks off at 7:00 pm, promising an evening of musical magic.
“Jazz and Jamaican culture are inseparable since both are a result of the same historic experience,” Grange remarked, highlighting the deep connection between the two art forms. Last year, the concert featured the Curtis Lundy Quintet, and this year, Grange is excited to bring David Murray and his quartet to the stage, aiming to thrill jazz lovers and celebrate the spirit of International Jazz Day.
David Murray is not just any musician; he is a prolific recording artist and a founding member of the World Saxophone Quartet. With over 100 albums to his name, he has made a significant impact on the jazz scene, collaborating with various artists and contributing to countless recordings. His quartet, which includes the talented Marta Sanchez on piano, Luke Stewart on bass, and Russell Carter on drums, is set to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Murray’s musical journey is marked by his exceptional improvisational skills and a rich understanding of African American music. His ability to blend diverse influences into cohesive themes is evident in his work, such as the classic “Flowers For Albert” featured on the Skatalites’ impressive 30th anniversary recording, Hi-Bop Ska. His talent has not gone unnoticed; he was awarded the New York Village Voice Musician of the Decade in 1980, among other accolades.
Expressing his excitement, Murray said, “My quartet and I are ecstatic about the invitation from Minister Grange. I am pleased that my close friend, Herbie Miller, curator of the Jamaica Music Museum, is one of the lead organizers of the International Jazz Day Concert in Kingston, Jamaica. I look forward to playing in the land of reggae and Bob Marley.” His enthusiasm reflects the deep respect he holds for Jamaican culture and its musical heritage.
Herbie Miller, who plays a pivotal role in organizing the event, emphasized the significance of jazz in fostering unity. “Contrary to popular belief, jazz reflects independent and communal determination models. It unites people of diverse cultures by its sheer interdependence on each other to communicate in both the conventional and the abstract,” he explained. Miller believes that jazz musicians mold each idea into a single expressive form, creating a “musical stew that nourishes the soul.”
The concert will also showcase a variety of local talent, featuring the Orville Hammond Quintet, the Pau Nottykees Quintet, the Alpha Jazz Ensemble, the JaMM Big Band, and Jazzetry, which includes MC and Poet Kacy Garvey along with cellist Emily Elliott. This diverse lineup promises to highlight the rich tapestry of jazz in Jamaica.
In partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Caribbean Office is helping to stage this exciting event. The Jamaica Music Museum (JaMM) and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) are also key players in coordinating the concert, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.
For those planning to attend, be sure to arrive early, as patrons should be seated by 6:30 pm. With the stage set for an evening of soulful melodies and cultural celebration, the question remains: how will the rhythms of jazz resonate within the heart of Jamaica this International Jazz Day?
