BIG EARS FESTIVAL

Wadada Leo Smith & RedKoral Quartet

Fri   Mar   28   2025 - 5:30 PM St. John's Cathedral

“One of the most boldly original and influential artists of his time.” – Jazz Right Now

Composer, trumpeter and author Wadada Leo Smith is one of the creative music world’s most heralded artists. Born December 18, 1941 in Leland, MS, he grew up steeped in the musical traditions of the South performing in Delta Blues and other traditional bands, eventually moving to Chicago where he joined the legendary AACM collective. Smith defines his music as “Creative Music,” and his diverse discography reveals a recorded history of music centered in the idea of spiritual harmony and the unification of social and cultural issues of his world. Among his major recordings are Ten Freedom SummersAmerica’s National Parks and String Quartets Nos. 1-12.

The first performance of Big Ears weekend as part of his CREATE series, Smith will showcase two solo works: Reflections and Meditations on Monk, a powerful homage to Thelonious Monk, and Masnavi: A Sonic Meditation and Reflections on Light, a mesmerizing exploration of sound and spirit. Alongside RedKoral Quartet, Smith will also present String Quartet No. 19: Central Parks: Sunset, Seneca Village, a Nature Sanctuary, Women’s Rights Statue, and The Obelisk. This stunning new piece blends trumpet and strings to evoke the rich stories and iconic landmarks of Central Park, brought to life through Smith’s bold and imaginative voice.

BIG EARS
03.27_03.30.25
Knoxville, TN · USA

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