Olu Dara

Having earned critical praise and a long-running top 20 Billboard jazz hit in 1998 with his Atlantic Records debut, “IN THE WORLD: FROM NATCHEZ TO NEW YORK,” The New York City-based Olu Dara now steps forward with “Neighborhoods,” an inspired new work that sees the acclaimed band leader/composer/multi-instrumentalist effortlessly blending Mississippi blues, modern funk, and a wealth of African styles into a sound that is utterly American and pure Olu.  Featuring longtime cohort, Grammy winner Cassandra Wilson (singing on “Used To Be”) and the incomparable triple Grammy Award winning Dr. John adding Hammond B3 and Rhodes to four tracks.

Compared by the Village Voice to the great Louis Armstrong, with his expressive cornet playing while, as a sometime guitarist, his unorthodox blues lines throb with a rich, insistent character. From the playful roots celebration of “Herbman” to a rare cover, his melancholy take on the traditional Bahamian sailor’s lament, “Out On The Rolling Sea.”

A winner of an AUDELCO ward for Outstanding Musical Creator (“A Tale of Madame Zora” as well as the prestigious AUDELCO Lifetime Achievement Award (In 1999 he was honored for 20 years in theatre.) Other awards include including France’s esteemed “Django d'Or” award for “IN THE WORLD…,” Trophees Internationaux du Jazz award for “Best Blues Album” and “Best Debut Artist, Band or Composer,” as voted by journalists and presented at the First Annual Jazz Awards – held in New York City in conjunction with the Texaco Jazz Festival.  Olu continues to perform, tour, record and receive stellar reviews.

A supporter of the Live Theatre Gang and old time member, Olu Dara is one of our Artistic Advisors.