Album Notes

This DVD presents a rare concert appearance of legendary jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell accompanied by a full orchestra in the premiere performance of The Ralph J. Bunche Suite, composed by Kenny Burrell to honor the life and work of African American Nobel laureate Dr. Ralph J. Bunche. The suite includes a pioneering blend of jazz, big band, interpretive dance, and orchestral forms, producing a fusion of music and motion that celebrates Dr. Ralph J. Bunche's inspirational achievements as an ambassador for peace. A full orchestra and a select group of great jazz musicians and dancers join Kenny Burrell at UCLA for this singular tribute. The DVD, a collaboration between anthropologist Alessandro Duranti and ethnographic filmmaker John Bishop, includes a unique behind-the-scenes look at Kenny Burrell’s process of bringing a piece of music through the stages of composition, rehearsal, and performance.