Chicago Honors Jazz Legend Peter Brötzmann with Special Concerts

Chicago pays tribute to the influential European free jazz pioneer, Peter Brötzmann, with two commemorative concerts at Constellation on December 17. Brötzmann, who revolutionized jazz with his improvisational prowess, passed away at the age of 82 in Wuppertal, Germany, on June 22, 2023. As a largely self-taught musician, Brötzmann's powerful performances on a range of reed instruments inspired a generation and emphasized the raw emotion of sound.

Brötzmann's legacy in challenging post-war narratives through his music extended beyond his own continent. His significant engagements in the 1960s within pan-European ensembles advocated for unity over political divides. His monumental works, such as the 1968 octet LP Machine Gun, showcased an original and intense approach to large-scale free jazz formats. A visionary, he also contributed to the visual identity of free jazz through his graphic design for the label Free Music Production (FMP).

Chicago, a city close to his heart since the 1980s, saw numerous collaborations between Brötzmann and local musicians including legendary drummer Hamid Drake. Figures such as gallery owner, writer, and promoter John Corbett played an instrumental role in bringing Brötzmann's art and music to the city. Brötzmann's legacy in Chicago also includes the formation and success of the Chicago Tentet, an improvisational powerhouse.

The tribute, named Na Ja—a phrase Brötzmann often used—features an afternoon and evening lineup. The Chicago Tentet collaborators such as Jason Adasiewicz, Joe McPhee, Jeb Bishop, and Hamid Drake reunite to celebrate his music. In addition to performances, the event includes a participatory segment where musicians improvise based on graphic cards created by Brötzmann himself.

The event promises to be a fitting homage to Brötzmann's monumental influence on jazz and his special bond with the city of Chicago. While the original Tentet will not be reassembling, guests can expect heartfelt performances honoring the spirit of Brötzmann's innovative and unbridled approach to music.

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