Blog March 10, 2010
Scholar: Michael Baird
Born 1954, Lusaka, Zambia, British nationality, first 10 years in Zambia then ‘repatriated’ to England and resident in Holland since he was thirteen. From 1975-83 drummer in all Gijs Hendriks’ (NL) groups from trio to 12-piece band, also played and recorded with amongst others Slide Hampton (USA), Raul Burnet (CUR), Kenny Drew (USA), Sonny Grey (JAM), Siegfried Kessler (D), Michel Graillier (F), Michel Herr (B), Joe Diorio (USA), Jan Akkerman (NL), Wim Overgaauw (NL), Stan Tracey (GB), Kenny Wheeler (CAN).Founded own label SWP Records in 1986. Led own group Sharp Wood from 1986-96. Other own groups: sextet Pygmees & Elephants in 1995, octet Utrecht Deep Artment in 1997-99, quintet CapeAbility in 2000, sextet Trendy 3D Junk in 2000-02, solo project Gongs And Bells in 2002-3, sextet African Abstractions in 2004-05, sextet TranceMission in 2009, initiator of Rhythm Orgy series in Utrecht 2008-'10, various other projects and composition commissions.Compiled and produced the monumental 22-cd series 'Historical Recordings by Hugh Tracey' of African music from the 40s and 50s, released by SWP Records. Extensive research of central, eastern and southern African music. Made own field recordings in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, in 1996, 2002, 2006, 2008 - also released by SWP Records.
