It was a trip to West Africa that set the career trajectory for Daniel Freedman. A drummer-bandleader born and raised in New York City, Freedman has a deep affinity for all things Afrobeat. But even though he's studied with djembe musicians and Gnawa masters, those traditions don't explicitly inform the music he makes. His African influences, Freedman suggests, are much more ambiguous and subtle.
In this podcast he talks about his newest album, Imagine That, and the prominent musicians in his circle, including guitarist Lionel Loueke, keyboardist Jason Lindner and the West African vocal dynamo Angelique Kidjo. He also reflects on lessons from his friendships with the master drummers Billy Higgins and Max Roach.
Podcast available on iTunes and Stitcher.
Production Assistant: Ishmael Martinez
