World Rhythm Academy

06/15/2025

https://hudsonriverpark.org/visit/events/event/jazz-at-pier-84-june-25-2025-ronnie-burrage-and-holographic-principle/

See Ronnie Burrage & Holographic Principle perform live Wednesday, June 25 at 7:00 PM as part of Hudson River Park's Jazz at Pier 84 free concert series.

02/15/2025

Love Hurts!

07/10/2024

There is something extremely special about this tour with the McCoy Tyner Legends band, Avery Sharpe, Steve Turre, Antonio Faraò, Earl Chico Freeman McCoy Tyner.

My agent, Henkjaap Beeuwkes sent a Youtube link that I had never heard before. This time with the legendary The Woody Shaw Institute of Global Arts and Joe Farrell Quintet from 1985. Featuring my dear friend, Neil Swainson on bass and Gene Adler on piano.

Both Woody and Joe were virtuoso musicians that had a wonderful history of making music together with Chick Corea, Art Blakey - Blue Note Records, Flora Purim & Airto Moreira, and many others.

Joe was very humorous and would have me dying of laughter no matter what time of day or night. I miss him so very much! But more importantly, his mastery over his instruments is what was so enlightening for me every single night we toured together, he just sounded so great! His flute and tenor prowess, man, Amazing!!!
Of course the same can be said about Woody, he kept going each night to higher heights and pushing the boundaries of the music. Woody, loved my compositions and played several of them, he encouraged me as a writer and singer. He allowed me to showcase my talents through Europe, Africa, India, and Pakistan. I am eternally grateful for him. These findings for me are validations of Blessings I've had throughout my career having played with the greatest of the greats! And there must be something about Newark New Jersey because both Wayne Shorter and The Woody Shaw Institute of Global Arts are from there.

This tour turned out to be Joe's last go-round, he died shortly after we returned to the States. It's hard to reflect on these losses, but joyfully, I am thankful for these men giving so much of themselves to me.

The Woody Shaw-Joe Farrell Quintet Live at 'De Twentse Schouwburg', Enschede, The Netherlands, March 29, 1985. Radio broadcast; TROS radio (program: 'Sesjun...

07/07/2024

As you all know, I'm on tour right now with the McCoy Tyner Legends Band, what an incredible experience with amazing players, friends, and human beings that graced the stage with McCoy Tyner we are Blessed and Honored beyond belief! Avery Sharpe Steve Turre Earl Chico Freeman
However talking last night with the grandson of McCoy, Amir, and the wonderful, Antonio Faraò, and having a moment telling him of the absolutely outstanding times with Wayne Shorter, I was excited to share some YouTube videos he hadn't seen of me with Wayne. In my search I came across these from our 1990 tour in Copenhagen and to my excitement, I had never heard these before myself. I began to listen to part 2 as it came up first and I began to cry with joy and sadness. Hearing the most beautiful sounds and colors, power, passion, and artistry of Wayne's music started a swell of emotions I could not control. It is a very emotional time for me now to be able to perform McCoy's music, and with such good friends as I am also navigating some critical times, being the caretaker of my Mother's health from afar is a lot.
But I think as well, hearing this band of Wayne's I was a part of before, Brian Blade, John Patitucci, and Danilo Perez were already at Zero Gravity https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2903346/ But What is so astounding from these past years, my emotions could not take the fact that from this particular ensemble, I am the only one left. In January losing my dear friend, Jim Beard the pianist/keyboardist was devastating. Also close friends, FRIENDS OF JEFF ANDREWS, and lastly, The Official Larry Coryell Facebook Fan Page just tore me up. I could not hold back the tears of joy and sadness. I am humbled to have had these genius people as friends, mentors, and, collaborators. Knowing my relationship with Wayne Shorter, which has been overlooked by the mainstream, this concert among many we had together is a testament to the joy he, and I playing his magical music together. Wayne was free and allowed us to be within the context of his complex compositions. I am grateful to have made music with Wayne, and McCoy, and my story with them both is still to come!

https://youtu.be/B3f7Lz5IB7s?si=D70lEzKhBIRBWz4J

https://youtu.be/B3f7Lz5IB7s?si=D70lEzKhBIRBWz4J

05/25/2024

05/22/2024

Rest in Peace to the Master and dear friend, Kiani Zawadi! Thank you for the good times, great music, and guidance over the years!

05/01/2024

Come get a taste of South Africa. Monday, May 6 at SoulBK in Crown Heights Brooklyn.

Special guests Seton Hawkins and Mandla Mlangeni
Plus Jam Session. Open to all.

Doors open at 7 pm.
Advanced tickets $12
$15 at the door
Http://mobemondays.eventbrite.com

04/29/2024

https://www.facebook.com/AmandlaFreedomEnsemble/posts/pfbid02Usz5MhMj5ptEBP1V27L6YFWHwNtaeViBAFWXLSp8oVZuKb1Bu9b2QixaVrDQ4kNGl