Kelan Phil Cohran & Legacy’s Astral Journey in “African Skies”
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Widely appreciated for his work with The Artistic Heritage Ensemble and Sun Ra’s Arkestra during the fruitful period of the 1960s, Kelan Phil Cohran & Legacy manifested a sigh of musical wonder on their album “African Skies” in 1993. The unique and impeccable combination of instruments is a notable feature of this prodigy. Reckoning the forces of double basses, whimsical percussion, and captivating harmonies, it dares to explore the boundaries of jazz to produce a ripple effect in the cosmic vastness of music.
The album, initially designed for the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, immerses listeners into an extrasensory journey filled with spiritual, celestial, and ancestral impressions painted in melodies. Cohran’s multi-faceted approach to sound is further exemplified by the inclusion of the ethereally electrified Kalimba, known as the Frankiphone – a sound-producing gem he invented.
It’s been noted that the contribution of Cohran to the world of jazz can’t be overlooked, even compared to other boundary-pushing artists like Jay McShann. By integrating unique instruments in his projects, he created an exclusive niche for himself and his legacy. One of his standout inventions in the name of sound innovation is the Frankiphone. This electrified Kalimba imbued his music with an otherworldly aura reminiscent of the universality his album “African Skies” seeks to explore, reminding of the atmosphere created by Earth, Wind and Fire’s harmonious ensemble.
After the album’s original launch, copies have been scarce, almost myth-like. With the pressing demand and scarce supply, even a vinyl of African Skies comes with a whopping price tag of around $1000. The ardent admirers of Cohran and prospective explorers of this cosmic journey have welcomed the news of an upcoming reissue with joy and excitement. This reissued gem is carefully encapsulated in a laminated Stoughton Tip-On gatefold jacket, preserving its original allure along with newly discovered family photos and the planetarium’s original program notes. Serving the insatiable appetite of the digitally savvy audience, the album will also find its place in the realms of digital platforms, enabling Cohran’s magic to reach to every nook and corner of the earth.
Jazz legends, evolving from the same time as Cohran, such as Maurice White and Joe Higgs, sought inspiration from Cohran’s innovative vision. Cohran’s passion for promoting African American musicians led to the foundation of the Afro-Arts Theater in Chicago’s South Side. This serves as a testament to the artist’s immense contribution to the music and culture of his time. Even at a ripe old age, Cohran continued his legacy of passing on his knowledge and expertise through music lessons for urban inner-city lives. His life and legacy continue through the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, featuring eight of his sons. This immensely talented ensemble continues to carry forward the visionary torch that Phil Cohran passed onto them, illuminating the world of music with their brilliance.
Learn more about Kelan Phil Cohran