Gary Thomas, sax
Blake Meister, bass
Allyn Johnson, piano
Russell Kirk, sax
Special guest:EJ Strickland, drums
Enoch Jamal “E.J.” Strickland is a world-class, world-traveled drummer, composer and artist heard on over 60 albums in the last 10 years. E.J. quickly graduated into New York’s gigging jazz scene, playing with the greatest names in contemporary music. He has long stints with Ravi Coltrane, Russell Malone, Marcus Strickland, Manuel Valera and also had opportunities to work on occasion with artists like Wynton Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson, Herbie Hancock and many others....
read more
Gary Thomas, sax
Blake Meister, bass
Allyn Johnson, piano
Russell Kirk, sax
Special guest:EJ Strickland, drums
Enoch Jamal “E.J.” Strickland is a world-class, world-traveled drummer, composer and artist heard on over 60 albums in the last 10 years. E.J. quickly graduated into New York’s gigging jazz scene, playing with the greatest names in contemporary music. He has long stints with Ravi Coltrane, Russell Malone, Marcus Strickland, Manuel Valera and also had opportunities to work on occasion with artists like Wynton Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson, Herbie Hancock and many others.
Influenced by wonderful drummers (Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, Tony Williams, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Brian Blade), he rapidly developed his own eclectic and creative style. Variety of influence and interest might be the key words for E.J. in his musical approach.
He reminds us: “You’re not going to hear a traditional jazz drummer. You’re going to hear someone who’s drawing from many different styles, many different approaches. That’s what my true voice is. And I always try to remember that music is fun!”
These days, E.J. finds himself writing music more than anything else and focusing on being a bandleader and a musician, creating great vehicles for his band to play on. He is also touring all over the world with Ravi Coltrane, Manuel Valera, Brandee Younger, Reggie Washington, Dave Weiss, Christian Sands, and others. Armed with the power and complexity of his drumming, E.J. Strickland continues to clear a path for himself in the jazz world and beyond. A path that can only grow wider in the years to come!
“A central figure within the present wave of dynamic and open-minded post-bop.” – The New York Times
Saxophonist and flutist Gary Thomas established himself in the 1980s as one of the most jarring soloists of his generation, especially against somewhat chaotic backdrops.
The Baltimore native studied at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He founded the jazz studies degree program at Peabody and was the first African-American degree program director at the conservatory. Has traveled the globe as both a leader and sideman. His performance and recording credits include Dennis Chambers, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ron Carter, Vinnie Colaiuta, Billy Hart, Wynton Marsalis, David Sanborn, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, Bobby McFerrin, Sam Rivers, Vanessa Williams, Betty Carter, George Benson, McCoy Tyner, Randy Brecker, James Newton, Jeff Watts, Marvin “Smitty”Smith, Patrice Rushen, Kevin Eubanks, John Scofield, Tony Williams, Kenny Garrett, Jimmy Smith, John Patitucci.
In addition to 11 recording dates as a leader, he’s worked on more than 80 recordings as a featured sideman, reflecting his status as one of the most coveted saxophonists on the jazz scene today. Two of his recordings as a leader, By Any Means Necessary and While the Gate Is Open, were named best recordings of the 1990s by Downbeat Magazine.
The most recent highlights of Thomas' activities are his tenure with British guitarist John McLaughlin from 1997 to 1999, and as a member of the Herbie Hancock Quartet since 2002.
Tickets: $25 in advance/ $28 at door/$10 full-time students with ID
show less
