Yusef Lateef
Name:
Yusef Lateef
Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yusef_Lateef
Wikipedia Summary:
Yusef Lateef was an American jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator known for his innovative blending of jazz with Eastern music. He was one of the first jazz musicians to incorporate world music elements into his compositions and performances.
Born:
1920
Died:
2013
Url1:
https://yuseflateef.com/
Url2:
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/yusef-lateef-mn0000838799
Notes:
Yusef Lateef was a pioneer in incorporating Middle Eastern and other non-Western elements into jazz. His conversion to Islam and his extensive studies of Eastern music deeply influenced his musical approach. Lateef regularly used instruments like the argol, shanai, and various flutes from the Middle East in his compositions. He explored modal scales, microtonal variations, and rhythmic concepts derived from Middle Eastern music, integrating them seamlessly into his jazz performances. Lateef's work was instrumental in broadening the scope of jazz to include global influences, particularly those from the Middle East and North Africa. His compositions and performances often served as a bridge between Western jazz and Middle Eastern musical traditions.