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Afro-Zen Allstars is a 9-piece little big band featuring outstanding guitar work, a blazing horn section, driving rhythms and inspired instrumental jams. Birthed in Richmond, Virginia’s renowned music scene, this ensemble gives new life to an extensive repertoire of material from across the globe, and dominates similarly flavored originals. Their high energy live performances conjure an experience that’s as educational as it is entertaining.
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With a sound that’s both exotic and entrancing, the group’s rep is notable for powerful re-workings of material from Ethiopia’s “Golden Age” of music (1960’s and 1970’s), which highlight their recordings, "Greatest Hits" and "The Buzz and The Bells." Both have received widespread acclaim, including top ratings in the premier world music magazine, Songlines, and from music writer and Afropop Worldwide Editor, Banning Eyre.
Recognized for their outstanding interpretations of Ethiopian classics, and per the recommendation of French musicologist and Ethiopiques series founder, Francis Falceto, Afro-Zen had the incredible honor of performing in November of 2024 at the US retirement celebration of the great Ethiopian singer, Mahmoud Ahmed,
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Lineup::
George M Lowe - guitar, arrangements
Keith Cable - percussion
Brian Cruse - bass
Hunter Duke - percussion
John Lilley - alto/tenor sax
Scott Milstead - drums
Chris Sclafani - alto/baritone sax
Chris Vasi - guitar
Toby Whitaker - trombone​​
Guest Allstars have included: Myrick Crampton, sax; Suzi Fischer, sax; Forrest Young, drums; Kevin Johnson, percussion; Reggie Chapman, trombone and tuba; Guistino Riccio, percussion; Rick Reiger, sax; Scott Clark, drums; Marcus Tenney, trumpet; Reggie Pace, trombone and percussion; Marc Langelier, bass; Jason Scott, sax; JC Kuhl, sax; Carter Blough, bass; Bayo Adrien, percussion; Bryan Hooten, trombone; Eddie Prendergast, bass; Cameron Ralston, bass; Will Roman, percussion, Robbie Kinter, drums, CJ Alicea, drums, Lance Koehler, drums; Jeff X Morris, percussion; Rei Alvarez, percussion; Bryan Connolly, drums; Pete Anderson, trombone; David Hood, sax & Jonathan Wheelock, bass.. All ringers!
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