Imani Winds Presents World Premiere On La Baker

Summary

---

They sort of snuck up on the music world with their sophomore release, "The Classical Underground," which garnered them a Grammy nomination for "Best Classical Crossover Album" in 2006. Amid the hoopla surrounding the nomination, Imani Winds released their third offering, the self-titled Imani Winds" in January. And the group has yet another surprise of their collective sleeve.

On April 21, Imani Winds will present a world premiere in Pittsburgh when they present "Josephine Baker-A Life of Le Jazz Hot" in celebration of the centennial of La Baker's birth in 2006. Along with the new work, the quintet will be joined by the sensational Jazz vocalist, Rene Marie.

"It was a fluke meeting Rene Marie," Ellis shared, "We met at the Virginia Art Festival; we were both on roster. Rene said she was a distant admirer of [Jeff Scott] (Scott, who plays French horn). Jeff later received a message from Rene-it was April '04. Two months later she recorded on our second project."

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Imani Winds Presents World Premiere On La Baker

Breaking new ground is nothing new for Imani Winds. They've been busting pre-conceptions and stereotypes of Black music by cross-pollinating classical trai...

See the full content of this document

---