Conjure

"Conjure" refers to several musical projects rather than a single performer or group, each with its own unique history and style. One notable example is the collaboration between jazz pianist and composer Carla Bley and poet Paul Haines. Here are some facts about Conjure:

1. Formation and Collaboration: Conjure was formed in the early 1980s when Carla Bley and Paul Haines came together to create a unique fusion of jazz music and spoken word poetry. Their collaboration resulted in the album "Conjure: Music for the Texts of Ishmael Reed", released in 1984. The project brought together an eclectic group of musicians, including Bley on piano, saxophonist Carlos Ward, trombonist Gary Valente, and percussionist Don Alias, among others.

2. Influence and Vision: Conjure's music combines elements of jazz, blues, funk, and world music with Haines' provocative and thought-provoking poetry. Their collaboration sought to explore themes of African-American culture, identity, and history through music and spoken word. Drawing inspiration from the works of author Ishmael Reed, whose texts served as the basis for many of the project's compositions, Conjure aimed to create a rich and multi-layered sonic experience that transcended traditional genre boundaries.

3. Critical Acclaim: The Conjure project received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to combining music and poetry. The album "Conjure: Music for the Texts of Ishmael Reed" garnered praise for its powerful performances, evocative compositions, and socially conscious themes. Critics lauded the project for its ability to seamlessly integrate spoken word with jazz improvisation, creating a cohesive and compelling artistic statement.

4. Continued Legacy: While the original Conjure collaboration between Carla Bley and Paul Haines produced only one album, the project's influence has endured over the years. The Conjure concept has inspired other artists to explore similar intersections between music and literature, sparking creative collaborations across different artistic disciplines. The legacy of Conjure lives on in the ongoing exploration of the relationship between words and music, as well as in the continued appreciation for the groundbreaking work of Carla Bley, Paul Haines, and their collaborators.

5. Cultural Impact: Conjure's exploration of African-American culture and history through music and poetry has had a lasting impact on audiences and artists alike. By engaging with themes of race, identity, and social justice, the Conjure project contributed to important conversations about the African-American experience in America and beyond. Through their innovative approach to artistic collaboration, Conjure demonstrated the power of music and poetry to inspire, educate, and provoke meaningful dialogue about pressing social issues.