I usually keep my music life and mediation life separate, but I hope you’ll indulge me by letting me meld them in today’s post.
My first husband, Dr. Makanda Ken McIntyre, was a brilliant instrumentalist, composer, and professor. He played about 17 instruments – mostly woodwinds – and performed on flute, alto saxophone, bass clarinet, oboe, and bassoon.
Makanda composed all kinds of “Music in the African American Tradition,” as he called it, including calypsos, ballads, avant-garde pieces, and traditional swing. And he was prolific – he wrote over 350 pieces and recorded 12 albums as a leader.
It is hard to understand why he is largely unknown, even to the jazz-listening public. The NYC Jazz Record explored this in this month’s Lest We Forget column. I’ve been thinking about it since I was interviewed for the article. (Click the link to read it.)
I think one of the reasons Makanda wasn’t better known is that he challenged people. He demanded excellence from himself and others. He challenged students to reach higher and to do their best. He said what was on his mind and hated to see people hurting themselves. One time we were at a shoe store and one of the workers went out front to grab a smoke. Makanda followed him outside. “What are you doing to yourself, man?” he asked. “You’re gonna kill yourself smoking those things. You’re on the express train! I’m on the local, and I hope it breaks down!”
If I’ve made you curious about Makanda’s music, you can listen to it on Park Slope on Sunday afternoon (or on YouTube). One Breath Rising, the Brooklyn-based non-profit that I started with others about 10 years ago, will be presenting The Makanda Project. One of Makanda’s former students, a wonderful pianist named John Kordalewski, founded the 13-piece ensemble in Boston to explore the songs that Makanda never recorded. John’s arrangements are wonderful and highlight the brilliant complexity – and the joy – of the work. They were joined by the Micki Davidson modern dancers. It was a very fun and accessible event!
That’s what I did on Sunday – would have loved to see you there!