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“By mining traditional Navajo “spinning songs” of love, healing, and courtship, and marrying them to jazz and funk lines, Anderson and his trio have taken a place at the forefront of a vibrant Native American jazz scene.” – New York Times Delbert Anderson – Trumpet Delbert Anderson, a Diné jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator, merges Navajo “spinning songs” with jazz and funk, creating a unique sound in the Native American jazz scene. Leading the Delbert Anderson Quartet, he incorporates elements from Diné culture and landscapes into his music. Noteworthy projects include “The Long Walk: 1,674 Days,” reflecting on Navajo history, and a forthcoming tribute to Indigenous Jazz legends Don Cherry and Jim Pepper. Anderson also spearheads the “Build A Band” program, teaching jazz improvisation to youth, emphasizing Diné values. His work has earned acclaim from Chamber Music America, the First Peoples Fund, and coverage in The New York Times and NPR. Robert Muller – Piano Robert Muller is a talented pianist and keyboardist based in Santa Fe, NM, known for his versatility across genres from jazz to neo-soul and underground hip hop. Robert spent his formative years in Portland, Oregon, including mentorship under Blue Note jazz legend Andrew Hill. Post-college, Muller’s journey took him to New York City, performing in iconic venues like the Blue Note and the Knitting Factory. Now a fixture on the New Mexico music scene, Robert collaborates with notable artists such as Hillary Smith, Joy Harjo, Delbert Anderson, and Ryan Montaño. The New Mexico Music Awards lauded Muller’s Kodama Trio for their jazz achievements, showcasing his significant contribution to the genre. Khalill Brown – Drums Khalill Brown, with roots in the Blackfoot and Cherokee tribes, is a dynamic Funk/Fusion drummer based in Denver, known for his technical prowess and ability to weave rhythms from various cultures and styles. His musical journey began at the tender age of eight, opening for Ziggy Marley. He has seen him share stages with renowned acts like Steel Pulse, KRS-One, Snarky Puppy, and Stephen Marley despite overcoming a career-threatening wrist injury. Raised in a family steeped in Reggae and Rasta culture, and with extensive experience in drumline and backing bands across Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk, and Country genres, Khalill’s style is a vibrant testament to his diverse upbringing. He aims to elevate the spirits of his audience, leaving them better than they arrived through music. Evan Suiter – Bass Evan Suiter’s musical voyage began at the young age of thirteen. Since then, he has developed into a seasoned bassist with a repertoire spanning jazz, country, Latin, funk, classical, and rock/pop genres. His formal education culminated in a B.A. in Music in 2008, followed by invaluable experiences at Victor Wooten’s Center for Music and Nature. This background enabled him to share stages with luminaries like Tito Puente Jr., Bob Dorough, and The Drifters. Residing in Albuquerque, NM, Evan is an integral part of the music scene, currently performing with Chevel Shepherd and the acclaimed Delbert Anderson Quartet. His extensive touring and recording career highlights his versatile talent and commitment to his craft. Doors at 7; show at 8 p.m.
