African Tribute to James Brown Jazz Institute Gala Live jazz concert review and photos by James Walker (original) (raw)

Photos by James Walker

The 2008 Jazz Institute Gala was held Aug. 26th at the University of Illinois Chicago. The Jazz Institute Excellence in Jazz Awards were presented to Eddie Johnson, Earma Thompson, Orbert Davis and Bob Koester. Timuel Black was also given a special recognition in honor of his tireless efforts for peace, justice and jazz. The concert featured Corey Wilkes' Black Slang group followed by the African Tribute to James Brown with special guest Roy Hargrove. The tribute featured Brown band veterans Fred Wesley, Martha High and Pee Wee Ellis along with African stars including Cheikh Lo and Vieux Farka Toure performing the Godfather of Soul's tunes with a decidedly African twist. We hope you enjoy the photos from this special event.