The 120 Project - an exploration in Jazz and House music

314 East 51st Street,Chicago IL 60615

07 October, 2021

Description

The 120 Project - Bronzeville features Vick Lavender, Corey Wilkes, Junius Paul and Justin Dillard performing, improvising and collaborating About: The 120 Project House is a connective cultural tissue that brings people together under the vise of dancing, sometimes at 120 beats per minute. The 120 project looks at distinct music cultures and presents how House music can inspire intercultural exchange and collaboration. This iteration of The 120 Project will focus on jazz and house music. Location: Black Wall Street Journey Pop-Up Gallery by Dorian Sylvain located in the Bronzeville Incubator space on 51st street. Musicians: Corey Wilkes Corey Wilkes is a world-renowned trumpeter, composer, and producer. Across the globe, he has made a name for himself as one of the best improvisational trumpet players of today. Best known for his soulful, breath-taking riffs and unforgettable avant-garde sounds, he captivates his audience every time he takes the stage. Wilkes’ passion for hip hop comes out with amplified intensity, and his love for jazz sings with well-nurtured maturity through his raw brass horn. Improvised Soul Projekt extends Wilkes’ vision for the future of instrumental music. The musicians in this group are more than just accomplished jazz musicians. They are spiritually endowed, next-level sound scientists who have mastered rituals in music like no other. They are master healers through music, serving to raise consciousness while healing the mind, body, and spirit--opening one’s pineal gland (third eye) and awakening infinite possibilities of wellness. Vick Lavender: Vick Lavender is CEO of Sophisticado Recordings fusing a blend of jazz funk fusion as well as deep & soulful house music with a splash of caribbean rhythms he founded the now highly respected Sophisticado Recordings record label in 2006. Before founding Sophisticado Recordings Vick was part of the production team Mr A.L.I which was founded by himself & then recording partener & fellow producer Jere McCallister. Since heading off on his own Vick is responsible for some of the more memorable recordings in the deep & soulful house music genre. Tracks like "First Kiss" feat Chicago legendary vocalist Carla Prather , "From Chicago To New York" feat Peter Jericho & "Vaporizer" feat Peter Jericho which was featured in a nation wide Chrysler Jeep Commercial have made Vick a major player in the music industry & his independent record label Sophisticado Recordings has been included in The NY Times as one of 100 black buisnesses you should know https://www.nytimes.com/paidpost/massmutual/100-black-owned-businesses-youll-love.html?smid=url-share In addition to producing Vick has also played in South Africa , Toronto , & London as well Atlanta , & Joe Clausell's Cosmic Arts & Louie Vega's then weekly residency the famed Cielo night club NYC. In 2010 another pivotal moment in devolpment of Sophisticado Recordings. A chance meeting with New York legend Joe Claussell pushed the label & Vick Lavender into the realm of vinyl releases & almost 10 years and 10 releases later the journey continues. Currently Sophisticado Recordings is in the mist of producing Detriot singer , songwriter , & composer Angel-A & kicking off the vinyl leg of the buisness with Sophisticado Distribution. Which releases on ANMA Records , Visual Records , Wrong Notes , Local Talk Records , Wistful Ol Junkies Records ( a remix for the legendary Chicago native Robert Owens ) & now Forbidden Dance Records his artistry keeps his unique sound moving forward. This event is supported by Chicago Presents, a program of Mayor Lightfoot’s Arts77 – a citywide arts recovery and reopening plan for all of Chicago’s 77 community areas. This program is in part/made possible by a grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special events .