Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble was founded in 1973 by percussionist Kahil EL'Zabar. Their creative music combines Black American musical styles -- jazz, blues, R&B, funk, gospel -- with African folk and dance traditions. Their recordings have been issued by a variety of European and domestic labels. The original lineup of El'Zabar, saxophonists/multi-instrumentalists Edward Wilkerson, Jr. and "Light" Henry Huff, issued Three Gentlemen from Chikago in 1981. Trombonist Joseph Bowie (Defunkt) replaced Huff in 1987. Chameleon released U.S. debut, Dance with the Ancestors in 1993. EHE issued three albums for Chicago's Delmark: 1997's The Continuum, 1999's Freedom Jazz Dance, and 2007's Hot 'N' Heavy: Live at the Ascension Loft, which saw trumpeter Corey Wilkes replace Bowie. They signed to independent Spiritmuse, which released 2019's Be Known: Ancient/Future/Music, 2023's Spirit Gatherer: Tribute to Don Cherry, and 50th anniversary outing, Open Me, A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit in 2024. ~ Thom Jurek