Fuasi Abdul-Khaliq - t.sax (USA)
Geoffroy De Masure - trb. (France)
Joel Holmes - p. (USA)
Charles Sammons - b. (USA)
Jesus Vega - dr. (USA)
The Crusaders Project is a collective ensemble of American musicians, all living in Berlin, Germany. Comprised of band members Fuasi Abdul-Khaliq (ten sax), Kelvin Sholar (Piano), Geoffroy De Masure (trombone), Charles Sammons (Bass) and Jesus Vega (Drums), the ensemble was formed with the intention of preserving and honoring the music of the legendary group from the 60's and 70's, The Jazz Crusaders.
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.
Geoffroy De Masure: One of Europe´s most highly established trombone legends, Geoffrey´s musicality has lead him to cross culture explorations across the globe fusing jazz with North African, Indian, Middle Eastern and Funk rhythms. His mastery of polyrhythms and soulful improvisations have lead him to work with the likes of Johnny Griffin,Larry Schneider, Toots Thielemans Joe Lovano, Charlie Haden, Mark Turner, Lee Konitz, Greg Osby, Albert Mangelsdorff, Fred Hersch and Steve Coleman. Geoffroy currently holds a professorship at the world renowned Jazz Instute Berlin.
Joel Holmes began teaching himself tunes by ear at age 10. He grew up playing with local bands and primarily in church. His family soon moved from Virginia to Baltimore so that he could attend the Baltimore School for the Performing Arts. Later, Joel Holmes became the Director of Jazz at his alma mater. He attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music at John Hopkins University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Performance.
Over the last several years, Joel has toured the world with Grammy winning jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, vocalist Nnenna Freelon and Saxophonist Javon Jackson who is an ex jazz Messenger with Art Blakey. Joel Holmes has performed all over the world solo,duos and with his trios touring Italy, France, Taiwan, Japan,Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Greece, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Holland, England, Spain, Chile,Ecuador, Uruguay, Canada, USA,Colombia, etc.
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.
Eintritt/ Ticket : 15€
Beginn 21:15Uhr( Einlass 20:00 Uhr)