BGJI Summit: Brian Blade, Danilo Perez, Joe Lovano and John Patitucci at Berklee Performance Center

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) is a performance program designed to foster creativity and musicianship through various musical disciplines, with pianist and composer Danilo Pérez as its artistic director. The BGJI provides a comprehensive contemporary music environment where students are given opportunities to explore their creativity to the highest level possible, advance the power of music as a tool for the betterment of society, and connect musical creative thinking with the natural environment.

The featured artist of the evening is renowned drummer Brian Blade. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Blade established himself as a versatile, accomplished drummer early in his career, appearing on the albums of Joshua Redman, Kenny Garrett, and Bob Dylan. In 1998 at age 27, Blade released his first album The Brian Blade Fellowship on Blue Note, which was highly acclaimed and solidified his standing as one of the most sought after jazz drummers of the era. Presently, Blade is part of the Wayne Shorter Quartet, as he has been since 2000, and can be heard on their recently released Without A Net. ...

read more

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) is a performance program designed to foster creativity and musicianship through various musical disciplines, with pianist and composer Danilo Pérez as its artistic director. The BGJI provides a comprehensive contemporary music environment where students are given opportunities to explore their creativity to the highest level possible, advance the power of music as a tool for the betterment of society, and connect musical creative thinking with the natural environment.

The featured artist of the evening is renowned drummer Brian Blade. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Blade established himself as a versatile, accomplished drummer early in his career, appearing on the albums of Joshua Redman, Kenny Garrett, and Bob Dylan. In 1998 at age 27, Blade released his first album The Brian Blade Fellowship on Blue Note, which was highly acclaimed and solidified his standing as one of the most sought after jazz drummers of the era. Presently, Blade is part of the Wayne Shorter Quartet, as he has been since 2000, and can be heard on their recently released Without A Net.

The first part of the concert will feature the Red and Green student ensembles playing original compositions. The ensembles feature students from Spain, South Africa, South Korea and The United States. Following the first set, Brian Blade will play the second set joined by the following BGJI faculty members: Grammy award winning saxophonist Joe Lovano, world renowned bassist John Patitucci and BGJI Artistic Director Danilo Pérez.

Also recognized is International Jazz Day, celebrated on April 30. In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. In November 2012, Danilo Pérez was named UNESCO Artist for Peace. Additionally, during the concert there will be a special screening of a short documentary that will present the BGJI’s recent trip to Benin and Togo in Africa.

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute is thrilled to present the third annual Berklee Global Jazz Summit at Berklee Performance Center on April 29 at 8:15 PM. The BGJI promises an unforgettable evening of incredible music presented by four of today’s most influential jazz musicians and the emerging, innovative talent of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.

show less