American Jazz Trio Commemorates MLK

APEX with local musicians.

American jazz trio, APEX, visited Gabon from January 18-22, 2007.  The jazz trio included Joan Minor as vocalist, Ray Blue on saxophone and Bob Sardo as pianist.  The first day, the trio was interviewed at Africa No. 1, the pan African radio station, where they explained how liberty and freedom of expression were critical to jazz and its origins.  APEX then visited the American International School of Libreville where they performed and answered questions to the delight of the young audience.  The trio was treated to a song by the school’s music class.  The following day, a one-morning workshop was held with 30 local musicians.  The group once again noted the importance of liberty and freedom of expression in jazz, and also highlighted its connection to the African continent.  A jam session then followed with some local musicians demonstrating their jazz ability while others presented African traditional music.  That evening, Ambassador Walkley invited 80 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps and government officials, to a private concert at his residence.  The culmination of APEX’s visit was a concert at the French Cultural Center, where the 400 seats were packed.  APEX was accompanied by local piano player Frederic Gassita and his band, which included a bass player and drummer.  The jazz trio also performed one piece with Annie-Flore Batchiellyli, a traditional Gabonese singer.  The audience included local NGOs and civil society, youth organizations, local artists, English clubs and teachers and the press.