AHMED ABDULLAH
Genres: Avant-Garde Jazz, Progressive Big Band • United States

Abdullah, Ahmed [Leroy Bland] , trumpeter, composer; b. Harlem, NY, 10 May 1947. His father was Lubia Bland (died 10/16/92), his mother was Anna Townes Bland (died 3/29/92) and his three sisters are Marilyn, Lorraine and Helen. Mother, Anna Bland dies 3/29/92. Abdullah began playing trumpet at age 13-14 in response to death of oldest sister Marilyn, who was instrumental in introducing him to the music. The impact of her death, combined with other major family changes, seemingly could only be negotiated through music. When he was 16 his family moved to the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Attended Brooklyn Technical High School, Queens College and Kingsborough Community College. Changed his name to Ahmed Abdullah at age 18, due to the influence of Malcolm X and a brief conversion to Islam. Studied trumpet technique privately with Chris Capers, Carmine Caruso, James Stubbs. Studied composition with Cal Massey. His frst professional performing read more...