"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of our European Tour in March / April 2024. This is due to unforeseen illness encountered by Idris Ackamoor, the leader of the pyramids. We know that this will bring disappointment not only to us but to all our fans and event organisers and promoters of the concerts. We hope you can understand our disappointment, but for health reasons Idris has been advised by his doctor to refrain from Travelling / Touring until he has fully recovered from this non-invasive out patient procedure which could be several months."
jazz | afro-jazz | avantgarde
IDRIS ACKAMOOR & THE PYRIAMDS are back with their first major new studio album in over 3 years: ‘Afro Futuristic Dreams’ (Strut Records), an epic, sprawling new work exploring the future, the past and the urgent reality of the present. Celebrating 52 legendary years, this live masterpiece showcases their musical evolution, addressing societal issues and celebrating survival with a unique blend of afrofuturistic beats. Don't miss this must-see concert — a journey with living legends!
Driven by the core Pyramids members: Idris Ackamoor (sax, keytar, organ), Margaux Simmons (flute), Sandra Poindexter (violin), Bobby Cobb (guitar), Malcolm Catto (drums)
Supported by ByteFM, Jazz Moves, Jazz Guide Hamburg, Hinz und Kunzt, Groove City Recordstore
IDRIS ACKAMOOR & THE PYRAMIDS
In celebration of a HALF CENTURY in the performing arts beginning with the founding of his legendary band, THE PYRAMIDS in 1972, Idris Ackamoor will salute this epoch with the AMERICAN PREMIERE of “AFRO FUTURISTIC DREAMS,” the 50th Anniversary commemorative double vinyl album release in 2023 for STRUT Records.
“AFRO FUTURISTIC DREAMS,” is a departure from any albums recorded by Idris Ackamoor with The Pyramids or his other ensembles over his entire career as a performer and composer! This will be the first time Idris has composed music for orchestra musicians featuring a string quartet, additional horn section, several vocalists, as well as, his seven piece band IDRIS ACKAMOOR☥THE PYRAMIDS. The band features Idris performing on saxophones, keytar, piano, vocals, spoken word and percussions; original Pyramids co — founder, Margaux Simmons conducting the orchestra and performing on flutes, percussions, vocals, Sandra Poindexter on acoustic and electric violins, vocals and percussions, Bobby Cobb on guitar, and vocals, original member Bradie Speller on congas and percussions, original member Mark Heshima Williams on acoustic and electric basses, and George Hearst on drums. “AFRO FUTURISTIC DREAMS,” pays homage to the present AFROFUTURISM movement that has embraced the science-fiction writers Octavia Butler and Samuel R. Delany, and musician Sun Ra. IDRIS ACKAMOOR ☥THE PYRAMIDS also have been celebrated as progenitors of Afrofuturism in interviews and articles.
“Ackamoor’s route to Afro-Futurist jazz began in the US in the 1960s, but was fast tracked in 1972, when he and the band, then a trio, began a year traveling and performing in Africa. From Morocco, the group set off through Senegal for Ghana, before crossing the continent and traveling in Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. Along the way they experienced at first-hand the ritual power of music and its ability to bind communities together—the twin tenets of first-wave Afro-Futurist jazz, which combined science fiction-inspired magical realism with black consciousness-inspired socio-political activism” - ALL ABOUT JAZZ - Chris May.
AFRO FUTURISTIC DREAMS chronicles the historic “times we be a’livin’," the past we be feelin,' and the future the planet is headin’ in. It is a testament to survival, unity, and honesty to face our collective destiny! The title track, “AFRO FUTURISTIC DREAMS,” is a psychedelic San Francisco experience inspired by George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. “POLICE DEM” was composed for all the known and unknown black victims who have suffered at the hands of police murders and brutality including Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, George Floyd, and musician Elijah McClain. “THANK YOU GOD” is spiritual jazz for the 21st century in the vein of Pharaoh Sanders’ “The Creator Has a Master Plan” and “Tauhid,” and John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” “NICE IT UP,” is a celebratory romp to shout out our survival and triumph over a historic tragedy of unparalleled proportions. The composition, “GARLAND ROSE," is dedicated to Idris’ granddaughter, all of our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and Darnella Frazier, the Minneapolis teenager who filmed the murder of George Floyd… all who will inherit this earth we as, ancestors ‘in waiting,' will bequeath to them.
IDRIS ACKAMOOR & THE PYRAMIDS - Links:
* Ermäßigter Eintritt an der Abendkasse für Schüler*innen, Student*innen, Sozialhilfeempfänger*innen.
* Reduced admission at the box office for students and welfare recipients.
