The Afro-Semitic Experience has redefined jazz concert with its accessible mix of ethnic world music and ability to get people on their feet. The seven-piece band is a rarity. The Afro-Semitic Experience is a multi-cultural band that plays gospel, klezmer and nigunim as well as swing. It’s multi-cultural soul. Afro-Semitic experience concerts are celebrations. The band plays great music, tells tales and conveys a positive message about unity in the community. The ASE was founded in 1998 by Warren Byrd, an African-American jazz pianist, and David Chevan, a Jewish-American jazz bassist. It has performed its music at many concerts, workshops, and worship services throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. The venues include the Amsterdam Festival of Jewish Music and Brooklyn Academy of Music. The band has collaborated with many outstanding musicians from jazz and klezmer, such as Frank London and Matt Darriau, of the Klezmatics. Also, Jack Mendelson and Cantors Alberto Mizrahi were among the cantors. The ASE includes Will Bartlett, Alvin Benjamin Carter Jr. and Baba David Coleman on saxophones, Stacy Phillips (resonator) guitar and violin, as well as Saskia Laroo, on trumpet. from http://www.jewishmusicfestival.org
