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Kasimu Taylor is capable of performing virtually any style. The seasoned St. Louis trumpeter landed his first paid performance at the age of 12, thanks to Gethsemane Lutheran Church on Hampton Avenue. He frequently played alongside alto saxophonist Chad Evans; established the salsa ensemble El Caribe Tropicale; spent considerable time with dance party legends Dr. Zhivegas; and is presently at the helm of both soul group Howard Street and his own post-bop jazz band.

On Monday, Sept. 8, the Kasimu Taylor Quartet, whose sound is influenced by the traditions of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, and St. Louis local Clark Terry, will initiate the WashU Jazz Series with a performance at the 560 Music Center’s Pillsbury Theatre.

“Kasimu Taylor ranks among St. Louis’ premier trumpeters, acclaimed for his expressive abilities and his unique, lyrical improvisational style,” remarked William Lenihan, director of jazz and a teaching professor in the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. “This academic year, we are excited to showcase Mr. Taylor and other artists who highlight WashU’s dedication to jazz and improvised music.”

Upcoming autumn events will feature the WashU Jazz Band (Oct. 15) and WashU Cabaret (Nov. 4). The Bridge 2.8, which calls itself a “French-Chicago musical exchange,” will perform on Nov. 12. Concluding the series will be WashU Jazz Combos (Nov. 18) and the WashU holiday concert (Dec. 6).

All performances are complimentary and accessible to the public. The Bridge 2.8 concert will be held in Holmes Lounge, while the other events will occur in the Pillsbury Theatre. The 560 Music Center is a short stroll from the Danforth Campus, located at 560 Trinity Ave. in University City. For additional details, visit the music department website.

The article Kasimu Taylor Quartet to launch WashU Jazz Series Sept. 8 first appeared on The Source.

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