Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Denmark

Birth

:

April 28, 1936 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Death

:

October 7, 2012 in Perpignan, France

 

John Tchicai was a Danish saxophonist and composer who was born on April 28, 1936, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the son of a Congolese father and a Danish mother. Tchicai grew up in a multicultural environment, which influenced his music greatly. He started playing the saxophone at the age of 16 and quickly became interested in jazz music. Tchicai studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he learned classical music theory and composition. However, he was more interested in jazz and started playing in local jazz clubs. In 1962, he co-founded the influential avant-garde jazz group, the New York Contemporary Five, with fellow musicians Archie Shepp, Don Cherry, and others. The group's music was characterized by its free-form improvisation and experimental sound. Tchicai moved to New York City in 1963 and became a part of the city's vibrant jazz scene. He played with many notable musicians, including John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, and Steve Lacy. In 1964, he recorded his first album as a bandleader, titled "Mohawk," which featured his own compositions. Throughout the 1960s, Tchicai continued to experiment with different styles of music, including free jazz, avant-garde, and world music. He was a member of the Jazz Composer's Orchestra, which was founded by Michael Mantler and Carla Bley in 1965. The group was known for its large-scale compositions and featured many of the leading jazz musicians of the time. In the 1970s, Tchicai moved back to Denmark and continued to compose and perform music. He formed his own group, the John Tchicai Quintet, which featured some of Denmark's top jazz musicians. He also collaborated with other musicians, including the Danish percussionist Pierre Dørge and the American pianist Cecil Taylor. Tchicai's music was characterized by its unique blend of different styles and influences. He was influenced by African music, European classical music, and American jazz. His compositions often featured complex rhythms, unusual harmonies, and free-form improvisation. Some of Tchicai's most notable works include "Mohawk," "Afrodisiaca," "Cadentia Nova Danica," and "Live at the Berlin Jazz Festival." He also composed music for films, including the Danish film "The Last Detail" and the American film "The Exterminator." Tchicai continued to perform and compose music until his death on October 8, 2012, at the age of 76. He was a highly respected musician and composer who made significant contributions to the world of jazz and avant-garde music. His unique style and innovative approach to music continue to inspire musicians around the world.

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