Out of Africa

Extraordinary music arrives from where you least expect it, like the war-ravaged country of Ethiopia. Today, host John Schaefer speaks with Russ Gershon, saxophonist, composer, and leader of Boston’s Either-Orchestra, which has been busy bringing traditional Ethiopian music to the world of big band jazz. Last January the ten-piece ensemble visited Ethiopia, making them the first big band to perform in that African nation since the Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1973. Their music reflects that visit. Speaking of unusual connections, guitarist Gerard Edery is a familiar face on the Synagogue and Jewish Community Center circuit, performing the poignant songs of the Sephardic Jews. But he’s also begun to meld these songs with dazzling tradition of Spanish Flamenco music. We get a taste of that unusual blend live in the WNYC studio.
Additional Resources:
» Either/Orchestra Web site
» Gerard Edery’s Web site