Free World Jazz (FWJ) was created by Keith Judelman. Its first conception came about in Bellingham, WA, in 2004. After returning from 5 months of travel and intensive musical study in Senegal and parts of Europe, Judelman decided to form an ensemble that would approach a variety of music from around the world from a personal space grounded in the American jazz tradition. These inspirations were then interpreted by the musicians on stage, each adding their own personal experience to the overall composition. Free World Jazz is a forum in which diverse musical languages are brought together in open dialogue and exchange.
Since moving back to Seattle in 2005, the ensemble has been reincarnated, capitalizing on the abundance of talent in the Seattle area. It has grown from its original duo/ trio format into a much larger community. The instrumentation varies according to the situation, but in full force the octet consists of: bass, piano, guitar, drum kit, 2 percussionists, trumpet, and flute. Also check us out at myspace.com/freeworldjazz
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