Fuasi Abdul-Khaliq - sax(USA)
Kelvin Sholar - p.(USA)
Charles Sammoms - b.(USA)
Jesus Vega - dr. (USA)
Rob Gutowski - tb. (USA)
The Crusaders Project & Beyond is a collective ensemble of American musicians, all living in Berlin, Germany. Comprised of bands members: Fuasi Abdul-Khaliq (ten sax), Kelvin Sholar (piano), Ron Gutowski (trombone), , Jesus Vega (drums). The ensemble was formed with the intention of preserving the music of the Jazz Crusaders through performance and showcasing the compositions that made them a legendary Jazz group of it's time during the 60's and & 70s.
Fuasi Abdul-Khaliq has been performing professionally since 1972. After graduating from college, he did his post-graduate studies with the late great African-American pianist, Horace Tapscott and his non-profit institution named UGMAA (Union of God's Musicians and Artist Ascension) in Los Angeles, California. This led to a lifetime relationship with Tapscott's Pan-African People's Arkestra (PAPA), during which time he served as assistant conductor, arranger, composer, copyist to accompany his duties on saxophone, clarinet and flute. In 1991, Fuasi came to Berlin, where he became a name in the city’s jazz scene. For the last 23 years, Fuasi has toured Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America, he has led his own ensembles such as Fuasi & Ensemble, The Ebony Big Band Experience, The Horace Tapscott Memorial Ensemble and the Afro Cubano Latin Jazz Connection.
Kelvin Sholar is a Black American pianist, composer, band-leader, educator, label owner and publisher known for crossing stylistic boundaries in music. A fourth generation musician, Sholar has been featured on over 100 recording, and has been cited in traditional and new media- from radio to television, magazine to newspaper and internet; including work with iconic American director Spike Lee. In addition to performances as special guest with numerous artists (such as Stevie Wonder or Kevin Saunderson), Sholar and his group have performed worldwide across America, Asia, Europe and Africa.
Charles Sammons is an American instrumentalist, composer, and instructor world renowned for his innovative techniques and approach. Equally at home behind the double bass, electric bass, and cello, Sammons pushes the outer boundaries of the idiom and the instruments while retaining firm footing in tradition. A consummate collaborator, Sammons has been featured on dozens of recordings from jazz through electronica, rock through pop. As a performer and sideman, Sammons has played and toured with a host of the worlds most excellent artists including members Parliament Funkadelic and touring in support of the Indigo Girls.
Jesus Vega is an American Drummer/Educator/Composer currently residing in Berlin, Germany. Born in King City, California, he was first introduced to Jazz by the Monterey Jazz Festival's Education Program. He holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Music from Sacramento State University and University of Nevada, Reno. In his short career Mr. Vega has had the privilege to study/perform with: Peter Epstein, David Ake, Vince Lateano, Joe Lovano, Ben Wendle, Ingrid Jensen, Kenny Washington, Greg Hutchinson, Geoffrey Keezer and many more.
Beginn 21:15 Uhr( Einlass 20:00 Uhr)