Steve Coleman And Five Elements
Steve Coleman alto sax, Jonathan Finlayson trumpet, Kokayi wordsmith, Rich Brown bass, Sean Rickman drums
In the 1980s alto saxophonist Steve Coleman presented his own vision of jazz, based on soul, funk and the new rhythm of the street, hip-hop. As the band leader of Five Elements he co-founded the M-Base collective, which included famous jazz singer Cassandra Wilson. Its influence can still be felt today in the music of such progressive band leaders as Jason Moran, Vijay Iyer and Steve Lehman.
As a composer Coleman investigates the spiritual connection between contemporary Afro-American culture, Egyptian antiquity and folk music from all over the globe. Rhythm and flow in nature and language are important points of interest. As a new band member, rapper Kokayi plays a star role on the most recent album of Steve Coleman & Five Elements, Live at the Village Vanguard II (MDW NTR).