About This Show
SFJAZZ Education presents an exciting program honoring the Native American heritage of jazz music with a special tribute to late saxophonist/vocalist Jim Pepper. Bay Area harpist Destiny Muhammad is joined by a stellar group of artists to honor the life and work of Jim Pepper, who was of Kaw and Muscogee Creek Native heritage. Pepper came to prominence in the late 1960s as a member of the rock-fusion band The Free Spirits, and went on to record over a dozen albums as a leader. Among his most celebrated collaborations was with jazz great Don Cherry, who encouraged Pepper to bring elements of his Native culture into his music. In this special Family Matinee, we are pleased to share the sonic contributions of Native Americans to the musical continuum known as jazz.

Further Reading:
SFJAZZ Magazine amplifies the Indigenous Legacy in Jazz in this installment of our digital magazine.

Further Listening:
Enjoy this Spotify playlist curated for our celebration of Indigenous Heritage Month: Honoring Our Ancestors.