Performing “Songs for the People”
NICOLE MITCHELL & THE BLACK EARTH ENSEMBLE. Peter Margasak has called Nicole “a compelling improviser of wit, determination, positivity, and tremendous talent . . . on her way to becoming one of the greatest living flutists in jazz.” In June 2010, she was awarded “Flutist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association, the second time she was so named. Also a creative composer and bandleader, Nicole was designated Downbeat’s Rising Star Flutist 2005-08 and the Chicago Tribune’s Chicagoan of the Year 2006. Nicole is founder of the critically acclaimed Black Earth Ensemble, “a musical celebration of the African American cultural legacy. . . .the weaving of swing, blues, avant garde jazz, bebop, African rhythms, Eastern modes and Western classical sounds.” Joining Nicole are Chavunduka, vocals; Khari Lemuel, cello/vocals; Tomeka Reid, cello; David Boykin, saxophones; Shanta, mbira/sitar; Alex Wing, bass; and Marcus Evans, drums; and 15-year-old Joel Ross, vibraphone.
Website: http://www.nicolemitchell.com/
