Strata East - A Higher State Of Consciousness
Thursday, February 19, 2015
As fiercely independent label Starta East proved in the 1970s, bold artistry from the likes of Pharaoh Sanders, Clifford Jordan, Cecil McBee and Gil Scott-Heron and potent political visions can encapsulate the signs and sounds of the times.
The label’s important and influential history is celebrated this month at a major concert at London’s Barbican, presented by DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson. It will feature performances by its entrepreneurial bosses, pianist Stanley Cowell and trumpeter Charles Tolliver as well as other key musicians linked to the label. Kevin Le Gendre spoke to the latter pair and reappraises Strata East’s music and ideas, which extended beyond the US back to Africa to the concept of jazz as a positive force for change, as well as putting the artists back in the driving seat
This is an extract from Jazzwise Issue #194 – to read the full article Subscribe to Jazzwise, save money and receive a fantastic FREE CD