Pheeroan akLaff, Meditation with Quest

Pheeroan akLaff might best be described as a practitioner of music, in all its forms. In this episode of Expandable Sound, the drummer-composer explores the connections between improvisation and spirituality, East and West, history and prophecy.

Born in Detroit in 1955, Pheeroan began his music career playing with R+B and soul acts in the midwest, before becoming a staple in the East Coast jazz scene. He has since toured around the world, performing alongside Henry Threadgill, Anthony Braxton, Wadada Leo Smith, Andrew Hill, Reggie Workman, and many others. He has longstanding collaborative partnerships with Cecil Taylor, Oliver Lake, and Japanese pianist Yosuke Yamashita.

In 2005 Pheeroan founded the Seed Artist Group, a non-profit that uses creative music to bridge gaps between generations and cultures, promote community involvement, and expand musical education among schoolchildren. It is a fitting description of Pheeroan’s approach to music, which emphasizes its spiritual qualities, and its power to uplift performers and audience.

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