Haji Ahkba

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818-761-0510

Last September, at The Zona Rosa Summer Jazz Series, five of Kansas City’s best jazz musician got together — after a few rehearsals — to play a nearly three-hour outdoor concert. I wasn’t there but Mark Valentine of Box of Chalk said it was a windy day and getting a good recording of the quintet 
was a little dicey.

But the jazz gods prevailed. The Haji Ahkba-Ervin Brown Assembly is a world-class, top-tier recording that will wow the most sophisticated jazz connoisseur. If the Convention and Visitors Bureau needs something to convince the world that jazz still exists here, send this CD into the beyond.

Haji Ahkab came to KC a year or so ago, picking up small gigs and quickly earning the respect of local musicians. He’s studied with Roland Kirk and Blue Mitchell, has played with James Brown and toured with Su Ra. He plays trumpet, flugelhorn and keyboards. On this CD, Ahkba is on the flugelhorn. Ervin Brown, on tenor saxophone, spent time with Barry White. Ken Lovern, piano, is much in demand, particularly with female jazz vocalists. Theodore Wilson, bass, and Arnie Young — recognized as an “old school” drummer who emphasizes the cymbals over the snare — complete the group. Valentine calls them “consummate side men.” It’s a comment that doesn’t seem to quite sum up the talent.

The superb 6-cuts, 50-minute CD showcases jazz at its creative best. Both Brown and Ahkba are commanding, enlightened and soaring in their playing. Lovern, Wilson and Young remain impeccable in their support and perfectly subtle when asked.

The Haji Ahkba-Ervin Brown Assembly delivers the kind of jazz where heads nod in wonderment and smiles keep time in awe. And hot damn, it’s Kansas City jazz, too! —Bruce Rodgers (posted 5/13/05)

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