| Imani Winds |
| Sunday, 18 March 2007 | |
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Their name, Imani, means “faith” in Swahili. Originating as a classical chamber ensemble in 1997, IM is comprised of African-American and Latino performers who have, since their inception, taken the world by storm by performing original and non-traditional wind quintet repertoire. Sure, they play Ravel, Mendolssohn and Elliott Carter, but they don't stop there. The group was the first place recipient of the ASCAP/Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming. Imani Winds received critical acclaim for their debut album, Umoja (“unity” in Swahili). Their sophomore album, The Classical Underground, was nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award in the “Best Classical Crossover Album” category. The album offered original works from IW members Valerie Coleman (“Afro-Cuban Concerto”) and Jeff Scott (“Homage to Duke”), as well as jazz flavors from Astor Piazzolla arranged by Scott, Duke Ellington and Paquito D'Rivera. Their latest self-titled release features “Afro Blue,” a piece by Mongo Santamaria arranged by V. Scott. This piece, you may recall, was made famous by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. Speaking of jazz musicians, Imani Winds presented the world premiere of “Terra Incognita,” the first-ever commission for classical artists by legendary jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter. (Stay tuned for more information about the Shorter/IM 2007 summer tour!) See Imani Winds perform live this month in NY, DC, GA and TN! Check the Calendar for more details.
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Valerie Coleman (flutes), Toyin Spellman-Diaz (oboe), Mariam Adam (clarinet & bass clarinet), Jeff Scott (French horn), and Monica Ellis (bassoon/soprano saxophone) are