For Amiri Baraka - David Murray Solo

“Intergenerational performance is essential to keeping our traditions alive. Bringing elders and younger artists together on the same stage generates an ecosystem of continuity, care, and accountability.”

- Ariella Villefrance | 651 ARTS Inaugural Curatorial fellow

This Black History month centers improvisation, lineage and intergenerational exchange. A two-night celebration bringing together legendary and visionary artists whose work reflects Black music and evolving continuum – shaped through collaboration, care, and freedom of expression.

For Amiri Baraka - David Murray Solo
February 11th | Doors 7:30pm | Performance 8pm

A solo David Murray performance, honoring his longtime friend and collaborator Amiri Baraka. Through improvisation and memory, Murray connects past and present – allowing the music to carry the urgency

About David Murray

Since he arrived in NY in 1975, David Murray established himself as one of the prominent saxophone players and leaders of jazz. He has released over 200 albums under his own name, working with the likes of Max Roach, Randy Weston, Pharoah Sanders, McCoy Tyner, Taj Mahal, Mal Waldron, Amiri Baraka, Jerry Garcia, Doudou N’daye Rose, Cassandra Wilson, Jason Moran, Macy Gray, Omara Portuando, Saul Williams, Vijay Iyer, Quest Love, Black Thought, and Gregory Porter to name a few. He is also a founding member of the groundbreaking World Saxophone Quartet which toured and recorded for 40 years.

As well as being a well known bandleader, he is a noteworthy composer and arranger providing memorable melodies and harmonies. His approach to improvisation is instantly recognizable. Even in its freest flights, he acknowledges the gravity of a tradition he honors more than most, combining all the influences he grew out of: gospel, jazz, free/avant-garde jazz, rhythm'n blues, R&B and, in his associations with writers, poetry. The great Cecil Taylor compared him to his greatest predecessors who had signature sounds: "You stick your ear in the door, you know it’s David!"

About the 651 ARTS Curatorial Fellowship

The 651 ARTS’ Curatorial Fellowship is an intentional recognition and continued dedication to the curatorial vision and rich programmatic legacy, echoed throughout the lineage of the organization’s leadership.

This fellowship serves as a commitment to supporting the vision of Brooklyn’s contemporary artists of the African Diaspora, and in this inaugural season, Ariella Villefranche was charged with the artistic program offerings of Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

Curatorial Statement

Intergenerational performance is essential to keeping tradition alive. Bringing elders and younger artists together on the same stage creates continuity, care, and accountability. This series reflects my desire to continue building programs that honor musicians and their work with intention and respect. My father instilled in me a deep and enduring love for music, and I strive to channel that love into how I care for artists, audiences, and the stories we tell. The music is our history.

I am deeply grateful to 651 ARTS for trusting and believing in my vision, and for supporting this celebration of Black creativity, legacy, and imagination.

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