The Philadelphia Jazz Project presents Facing East: The Islamic Influence In Jazz

Pianist Bernard Samuel is musical director of the Facing East program next week | via Philadelphia Jazz Project

To celebrate the Islamic stories and influences in jazz, the Philadelphia Jazz Project will present Facing East: The Islamic Influence In Jazz on Thursday, July 14th at the International House. The event will feature musical compositions by John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Yusef Lateef, Abdullah Ibrahim, Kool & The Gang and more.

PJP works to create a network of support and celebration for the diversity of Philadelphia’s jazz community through performances, advocacy, collaborations and open dialogue within the city and on the global scale.

The full list of artists includes:

▪ Alfie Pollitt – Piano / Music Director

▪ Bernard Samuel – Piano / Music Director

▪ Abdur Rashid – Piano

▪ Tony “TNT” Jones – Bass

▪ Alan Nelson – Drums

▪ Marion Salaam – Alto Sax & Vocals

▪ Umar Raheem – Tenor Sax

▪ Harun Akbar – Tenor Sax & Flute

▪ Mikal Shabazz – Tenor & Baritone Sax

▪ Samir Berry – Trumpet

▪ Matthew Stewart – Trumpet

▪ Saudah Al Akbar – Vocals

▪ Tara Middleton – Vocals

▪ Siedah Abdellah- Vocals

▪ Taji Nahl – Host

Tickets can be found here, as well as more information on the PJP Facebook event page. Check out the video below of one of the evening’s performers Marion Salaam jamming on the streets.