MA
The Makanda Project is a 13 piece ensemble that includes some of Boston's most renowned jazz musicians. The group, formed in 2005, performs its own arrangements of previously unheard compositions by Boston-born multi-instrumentalist Makanda Ken McIntyre (1931-2001), along with pieces by selected other composers. Dr. McIntyre had a distinguished career as a performer and educator, yet remained under-recognized. His distinctive compositions are both challenging and accessible, lyrical and provocative. Leader, arranger, and pianist John Kordalewski studied and performed with him. The other members of the group are Kurtis Rivers, Lee Odom, Sean Berry, Temidayo Balogun, and Charlie Kohlhase, saxophones; Jerry Sabatini and Haneef Nelson, trumpets; Bill Lowe, Sarah Politz, and Alfred Patterson, trombones; Avery Sharpe, bass; and Yoron Israel, drums. Renowned guest artists such as Ricky Ford, Chico Freeman, Craig Harris, Dee Alexander, and Michael Gregory Jackson join the group for some performances, and for others the group collaborates with dancer/choreographer Mickey Davidson or poet Askia Toure. The group also collaborates with visual artists to present concerts that involve live painting by professional artists, art students, and audience members.
Additional Content:
The Makanda Project Multiple Percussion Edition, 3-28-2019, Boston MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre; solos by John Kordalewski (piano), Charlie Kohlhase (baritone sax), Kurtis Rivers (alto sax), Warren Smith/Yoron Israel/Thurman Barker (drums).
The Makanda Project, 8-7-2021, Schwaz, Austria. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by Sarah Politz (trombone), Paavo Carey (flute), Sean Berry (trombone).
The Makanda Project featuring Dee Alexander, 11-12-2022, Roxbury MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, lyrics by Cyril Chapman, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by Richard Harper (trombone), Haneef Nelson (trumpet).
The Makanda Project featuring Chico Freeman, 8-7-2021, Schwaz, Austria. Composition by Chico Freeman, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by John Kordalewski (piano), Chico Freeman (soprano saxophone).
The Makanda Project Multiple Percussion Edition, 3-28-2019, Boston MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre; solos by Paavo Carey (flute), Alfred Patterson/Ku-umba Frank Lacy/Bill Lowe (trombones), Warren Smith/Yoron Israel/Thurman Barker (drums).
The Makanda Project, 10-4-2014, Springfield MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by Kurtis Rivers (introduction), Jason Robinson (tenor saxophone), Bill Lowe (bass trombone), Joe Ford (alto saxophone).
The Makanda Project, 10-4-2014, Springfield MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, arrangement by John Kordalewski; solos by Eddie Allen (trumpet), Sean Berry (tenor saxophone), Ku-umba Frank Lacy (trombone)
"Well I See" (video): The Makanda Project with dancers
The Makanda Project with Dancers, 11-6-2011, Roxbury MA. Composition by Makanda Ken McIntyre, arrangement by John Kordalewski, choreography by Mickey Davidson; solos by Kurtis Rivers (alto sax), Charlie Kohlhase (baritone sax), Jerry Sabatini (trumpet).
Institution/Business Type:
Performing Group
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
2005
Institution/Business Type:
Performing Group
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
2005
Primary Discipline:
Music - JazzAdditional Disciplines:
Activities and Services:
Populations Engaged:
Languages Available:
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Awards:
Special Designations:
NEST Eligible Artist
Technical Requirements:
Fee Range:
$2,000 - $8,000State of Residence:
MassachusettsMinimum Number of Performers:
13Maximum Number of Performers:
18NEST Eligible Artist
Technical Requirements:
Fee Range:
$2,000 - $8,000State of Residence:
MassachusettsMinimum Number of Performers:
13Maximum Number of Performers:
18