Kevin Haynes Grupo Elegua

The music of alto saxophonist, percussionist, composer, and African folklore singer Kevin Haynes - often dubbed the African Charlie Parker - is a powerful fusion of contemporary jazz and African-rooted traditions. Drawing on Afro-Cuban and Nigerian Yoruba drumming, African folk and praise songs, hard-bop modal language, and flowing kora lines, Haynes creates a distinctive, personal take on African jazz.

Hailing from Benin in West Africa, though having spent most of his life in West London, Kevin began his musical career in the 80s and 90s performing mainly as a percussionist with acts such as the Jazz Warriors Big Band, saxophonist Steve Williamson Band, flautist Phil Bent Band, Afro-American jazz drummer Clifford Javis’ Prophets of Jazz, The Courtney Pine Band and The Dick Heckstall-Smith Band.

This performance will present music from Haynes’ forthcoming album, following his 2022 EP Egbe Alaragbo and two acclaimed full-length releases with Grupo Elegua, Tomorrow’s Path and Ori Ire. With over two decades of performance experience, Kevin Haynes continues to move seamlessly between jazz and African-Caribbean musical traditions.

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