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Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah: Completing A Name

Monday, August 27, 2012

Christian Scott performs live at the Soundcheck studios at WNYC. Christian Scott performs live at the Soundcheck studios at WNYC. (Michael Katzif/WNYC)

Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott is now Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah -- a name change that also inspired the title of his latest album, Christian aTunde Adjuah. "The battle about my name actually started when I was younger," he told us. "I remember being in a Catholic school. I was about nine or ten years old. The teacher asked for Christian Scott and I stood up and raised my hand. And she told me that Scott wasn't a name for a black kid."

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah's latest project is an ambitious and sprawling double-record nearly two hours in length that wordlessly reflects on themes of identity and ancestry. It derives inspiration from seemingly far-flung sources such as Scott's childhood in New Orleans, ethnic conflict in Africa and his current home in Harlem.

In an interview with host John Schaefer, aTunde Adjuah discusses the origins of his new album. Then, accompanied by his quintet -- pianist Lawrence Fields, guitarist Matthew Stevens, bassist Zwelakha-Dumah F. Bell le Pere and drummer Jamire Williams -- aTunde Adjuah performs three tracks from the record -- "Jihad Joe," "Who They Wish I Was" and "Danziger."

Christian Scott warms up with his mouthpiece before playing in the studio.
Michael Katzif/WNYC
Christian Scott warms up with his mouthpiece before playing in the studio.
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah performs for Soundcheck live in the studio at WNYC.
Michael Katzif/WNYC
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah performs for Soundcheck live in the studio at WNYC.
Guitarist Matthew Stevens performs with Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah for Soundcheck live in the studio at WNYC.
Michael Katzif/WNYC
Guitarist Matthew Stevens performs with Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah for Soundcheck live in the studio at WNYC.
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah plays on a custom-made trumpet-cornet-flugel horn hybrid to create his distinctive sound.
Michael Katzif/WNYC
Scott plays on a custom-made trumpet-cornet-flugel horn hybrid to create his distinctive sound.
Bassist Zwelakha-Dumah F. Bell le Pere performs with Adjuah live in the studio.
Michael Katzif/WNYC
Bassist Zwelakha-Dumah F. Bell le Pere performs with Adjuah live in the studio.
Guitarist Matthew Stevens performs with Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah for Soundcheck live in the studio at WNYC.
Michael Katzif/WNYC
Guitarist Matthew Stevens performs with Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah for Soundcheck live in the studio at WNYC.
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah live in the studio at WNYC.
Michael Katzif/WNYC
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah live in the studio at WNYC.
Drummer Jamire Williams playing with Christian Scott in the studio.
Michael Katzif/WNYC
Drummer Jamire Williams playing with Christian Scott in the studio.
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah performs for Soundcheck live in the studio at WNYC.
Michael Katzif/WNYC
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah performs for Soundcheck live in the studio at WNYC.

Guests:

Christian Scott

Comments [1]

gina ballinger from graz, austria

i really like his music i sing into my keyboard...and christian scott atunde adjuah political thoughts : ) thank you!

Sep. 10 2012 12:34 PM

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