Ethnic Heritage Ensemble
Edward Wilkerson (b. 27 July 1955, Terre Haute, Indiana, USA; reeds), Kahil El'Zabar (b. Clifton Blackburn, 11 November 1953, Chicago, Illinois, USA; percussion). The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble was formed in 1973 by Wilkerson, El'Zabar and saxophonist Light Henry Huff, who stayed with the trio for their first two albums. On WELCOME, the third member was Kalaparush Maurice McIntyre, and on ANCESTRAL SONG and HANG TUFF it was Joseph Bowie. A typical second-generation AACMgroup, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble owe much to the example of the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, particularly in their use of ‘little instruments’, and even more to the general AACM emphasis on space, sound-as-texture and detailed awareness of black music history. Wilkerson attended the University of Chicago and played with Little Anthony And The Imperialsand Bobby Blue Bland in addition to studying in the AACM with players such as Roscoe Mitchell, George Lewis and Henry Threadgill. One of the most versatile of the new Chicago saxophonists, he also leads the octet 8 Bold Souls and a big band, Shadow Vignettes. Kahil El'Zabar studied at the Malcolm X School of Music and worked with Donny Hathaway and Paul Simon as well as playing in the AACM with Lester Bowie, Chico Freeman and Muhal Richard Abrams: he has also served as the organization's chairman. He performs with exquisite delicacy and startling force on a wide array of Western and ethnic percussion instruments, although his occasional wailing vocals may be an acquired taste. He also leads his own group, the Ritual, often in association with Malachi Favors: their guests on record to date have included Lester Bowie ( THE RITUAL, SACRED LOVE), Billy Bang( ANOTHER KIND OF GROOVE), David Murray( THE GOLDEN SEA) and saxophonist Ari Brown ( ALIKA RISING).