Welcome to Philadelphia Jazz Project
The Forerunners Salute Jymie & John
Sep 11, 2016
The Forerunners
Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 8pm
Painted Bride Art Center - 230 Vine Street, Phila., PA 19106
For Information & Tickets
It was earlier this year, in January, at World Cafe Live, that PJP in collaboration with WXPN, WRTI, Ars Nova Workshop and NPR presented the nation's first glimpse of the music of Jymie Merritt and the Forerunners in over 20 years.
That concert was a huge artistic and a morale-boosting success for a super-dedicated team who have been tirelessly and quietly working behind the scenes, studying, and rehearsing this complex and beautiful music.
We will be able to see them on stage again on Saturday, September 24th 2016 at the Painted Bride Art Center. Coming on the night after John Coltrane's 90th birthday and month's after Jymie Merritt's 90th birthday as well, this concert is gonna fortify the Forerunners' position as musical pioneers and explorers.
In 1967, legendary bassist, Jymie Merritt and former drummer, now pianist, Warren McLendon made a pledge at the Philadelphia memorial service for John Coltrane. They dedicated themselves to further their music and to continue pushing the boundaries as John Coltrane would have done. Since then, the members of the Forerunners reads like a who's who of Philadelphia's creative music community.
Today, these elders are led by a youngster, who learned from them. Mike Merritt, bassist and son of Jymie Merritt leads the group. Known for his work as bassist on Conan O'Brien's late-night TV show band, Mike is ready to take the Forerunners story global.
The Forerunners are…
Mike Merritt - bass
Warren McLendon & Colmare Duncan - piano
Terry Lawson & Odean Pope - tenor sax
Alan Nelson - drums
Check them out as they celebrate Jymie Merritt and John Coltrane, right here at ground zero.
The Forerunners
Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 8pm
Painted Bride Art Center - 230 Vine Street, Phila., PA 19106
For Information & Tickets
