T.K.Blue presents "Planet Bluu" on JAJA Records at An die Musik Live! The versatile and master multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger T.K. Blue celebrates this visionary new album that was released in October via JAJA Records. Two shows at 4pm and 6pm!

TK Blue, sax, flute
"The Philly Connection" with The Webb Thomas Trio:
Aaron Graves piano
Lee Smith bass
Webb Thomas drums

This concert is dedicated to the memory of George `Doc' Manning

On the heels of performing with the Herbie Hancock Institute at the 2024 International Jazz Day Concert in Tangier, Morocco and the 2024 NEA Jazz Master Award Ceremony as leader and musical director of the African Rhythms Alumni Ensemble, T.K. Blue is thrilled to announce the release of Planet Bluu, one of his most compelling and significant works to date. Having performed and recorded closely with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and NEA Jazz Masters Dr. Randy Weston, Abdullah Ibrahim and Jimmy Scott, leading saxophonist, flutist, composer, arranger, and educator T.K. Blue offers this latest release as his 14th album as band leader.

Within this context, Planet Bluu creates a world that “lies just beyond the realm of our imagination,” says Blue. Describing it as “a dream so fragile that if you whisper its presence, this magnanimous world might vanish into thin air,” Blue delights that “Planet Bluu is a place devoid of war, famine, systemic racism, gender discrimination, and religious intolerance.” Yet, while “this ebullient planet lies just beyond the boundaries of our galaxy in a perpetual state of munificence,” to use T.K.’s words, here on “terra firma,” he and his colleagues “had music to make!”

Blue identifies the effervescent quality of African hand pianos on Planet Bluu as the sonic source of the album’s ineffable vision. In addition to being a formidable saxophonist and flautist, T.K. is a master player of these instruments, including the kalimba, sanza, lukembi, mbira, and bongo which differ in name according to the regional origins of their distinct constructions, tunings, and timbres. Players of African hand pianos are often known as Griot or Jalis, the aural historians of traditional African society. Deeply influenced by his parents’ diasporic African heritage in Trinidad, Tobago, and Jamaica as well as his own extensive travels through Africa – including three USIA State Department tours – Blue also shares how, rooted in his diverse African experience, Planet Bluu creates “sounds of joy and music that is rhythmically upbeat for folks to experience in their hearts.”

In-person seats: $30/ $10 students
Attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.

Streaming passes: $15
The link will remain active through May 4

Donations welcome!