- Phil Cohran
Kelan Phil Cohran (born in
Oxford, Mississippi inMay 8 ,1927 ) is ajazz musician. He is known most for histrumpet contributions in theSun Ra Arkestra inChicago during 1959-1961 and for his involvement in the foundation of theAACM .Cohran grew up in
St. Louis, Missouri and playedtrumpet in bands led byJay McShann in the early 1950s, and then in a U.S. Navy band. [http://philcohran.com/pc_wr_fr.htm]His tenure in the
Sun Ra Arkestra is documented on records such as "Fate in a Pleasant Mood " and "Angels and Demons at Play ". He also appears on the important rediscovered documentation ofChicago Arkestra performances on "Music for Tomorrow's World ". While most of Cohran's contributions were on trumpet, some also show his interest in stringed instruments such aszither s.When the Arkestra moved from Chicago in 1961, Cohran declined to accompany them. In 1965 he participated in the formation of the
AACM . Cohran formed the "Artistic Heritage Ensemble " withPete Cosey , future members of theEarth, Wind and Fire horn section and"Master" Henry Gibson (theMotown house percussionist) among others. By this time, he was playing theharp as well ascornet , as well as other brass instruments, such as thefrench horn ,baritone saxophone andpercussion . "On the Beach " is an available recording which documents their music around 1967-68.Early in his career he invented an instrument he calls the Frankiphone, aka the
Space Harp heard on some ofSun Ra 's early albums. The instrument is actually an electrifiedmbira orkalimba . This instrument inspiredMaurice White to use an electrifiedKalimba in performance withEarth, Wind and Fire . Cohran states he taught Maurice and his brothers music in their youth, much likeThe Wailers were tutored byJoe Higgs .On the Beach is a good example of their work during those early years and features theFrankiphone on the title track, as well as a piece called "New Frankiphone Blues".Cohran's sons make up seven of the eight members of
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble , a street ensemble consisting of brass and drums. Cohran is also a renowned astronomer and presently teaches voice and music to inner city youth and adults atNortheastern Illinois University 'sCenter for Inner City Studies .External links
* [http://philcohran.com Official Page]
Listening
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdkInMQsyX0 Excerpt from 2005 sound. at the Schindler House performance] at SASSAS @ YouTube
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