We at JACK were thrilled to receive help from New Music USA to present our Kojo Roney Residency April 9 – 11, 2015. For the residency, curated by Michael Foster, 10-year old drummer Kojo was joined by some of the fiercest and innovative musicians in the New York scene, including Nate Wooley, Cooper-Moore, William Parker, Michael Foster and Kojo’s father, Antoine Roney.
What it afforded the audience was an opportunity to see a musician literally growing in front of their eyes, playing hour-long sets of free jazz, with the more experienced musicians ushering Kojo along the way. And it was exhilerating to experience the energy of this young musician — he was so anxious to play that he would even be playing as audience was entering the space in the half-hour before the performance. He just did not want to be away from his drum kit.
The residency inspired us to think about ways to continue in Kojo’s development, including thinking about a weekly concert, for example. It’s clear he has a bright future, and we were so thrilled to be a part of it in this small, but we hope significant, way.
Go Kojo, Go! Mama Zenzalai loves your contribution to the jazz community! So proud of you. Peace, Love and Light! LZH
Go Kojo!!!