Christian Scott, aka Chief Xian Atunde Adjuah, doesn't like to be pigeonholed. The musical innovator wouldn't describe himself as a jazzman: he prefers to call his art »stretch music«, a radically open concept in both musical and cultural terms that combines influences from modal jazz, hard bop, fusion, post-rock, elektronica and hip-hop to create an infectious soundscape. Even his wind instruments don't toe the line – he designed them himself as a kind of hybrid in between the trumpet and the horn. Together with his band collective, he blurs boundaries and combines traditional music with new visions, all of it permeated by a spiritual energy that is very much to the fore in their Plaza session, too.
Spotlight Afrofuturism
In its 2022/23 season the Elbphilharmonie focuses on Afrofuturism with several concerts and a wide-ranging supporting programme. The participating artists include legends like the Sun Ra Arkestra as well as the young generation exemplified by the Sons of Kemet and Theo Croker.
The Artist
Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah was born in New Orleans as Christian Scott, and adopted his present name as a tribute to his family's West African roots. After first lessons with his uncle, the saxophonist Donald Harrison, he completed his degree at Berkeley at high speed, graduating with a distinction. It wasn't long before he was making a name in the jazz world with his first tracks, and in the meantime he has released no fewer than 15 albums , and has won numerous prizes and several Grammy nominations.
Performers
Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah trumpet, harp
Elena Pinderhughes flute
Lawrence Fields keys
Max Mucha bass
Elé Howell drums
Alexander Flood drums
Weedie Braimah percussion
Other participants:
Udo Potratz Recording & Mixing
Nils Kohstall / Maik Lüdemann Camera & Edit
Sebastian Knoll Steadicam
Jonah Hollwege Drone
Lars Bölcker Technical Project Management
Tim Fricke / Maik Petko Elbphilharmonie Technicians
David Lössl / Julika von Werder / Andrea Schneider
concept & production management
The music
»A stretching of jazz« – this is the phrase trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah uses to sum up his music: »To be a voice in the present, new ideas are just as important as an awareness of the past.« One such voice in the present is this remarkable musician himself, whom JazzTimes magazine described not without reason as »jazz’s young style god«. His work overcomes socio- cultural boundaries and finds a common sound between the traditions of black music, post-rock and jazz.
The location
The Plaza lies on the roof of the former quayside warehouse (Kaispeicher) between the building's brick base and the new glass superstructure of the Elbphilharmonie. The open-air observation platform is 37 metres above the ground and offers a unique panoramic view of the docks and the city. It is a meeting place for concertgoers, hotel guests and anyone who wants to enjoy the spectacular view.
About the series
Artists record exclusive music videos at the Elbphilharmonie and the Laeiszhalle for Elbphilharmonie Sessions – sometimes in unusual locations offstage. Discover the concert halls from the inside. Discover what they sound like.
