Wadada Leo Smith

• 4 CD BOX SET

The Chicago Symphonies represents another magnificent four-disc collection of extended compositions by composer, musician, artist and educator Wadada Leo Smith leading his Great Lakes Quartet in a celebration of Chicago and the rich contributions of the Midwestern artistic, musical and political culture to the United States of America. The first three symphonies, “Gold,” “Diamond” and “Pearl” are performed by Smith with three other contemporary masters of creative music, saxophonist/flutist Henry Threadgill, bassist John Lindberg and drummer Jack DeJohnette. The fourth, “Sapphire Symphony – The Presidents and Their Vision for America,” features saxophonist Jonathon Haffner with Smith, Lindberg and DeJohnette.

PERSONNEL:

• Wadada Leo Smith - trumpet, flugelhorn
• Henry Threadgill - alto saxophone, flute and bass flute (Discs 1–3)
• Jonathon Haffner - alto and soprano saxophones (Disc 4)
• John Lindberg - double bass
• Jack DeJohnette - drums

TRACKS:

• CD ONE
• GOLD SYMPHONY
• 01 – 05 Movements 1 –5 ..... 39:48 min.

• CD TWO
• DIAMOND SYMPHONY
• 01 – 04 Movements 1 –4 ..... 36:38 min.

• CD THREE
• PEARL SYMPHONY
• 01 – 05 Movements 1 –5 ...... 38:45 min.

• CD FOUR
• SAPPHIRE SYMPHONY
• 01 – 05 Movements 1 –5 ...... 49:13 min.