Saxophonist Godwin Louis is a traveller, both musical and otherwise. Whether on his debut album Global or in bands like Etienne Charles’s Creole Soul, Louis traces musical and personal lineages from West Africa through Haiti, New Orleans, and beyond.

With all this traveling, Louis finds ways to stay rooted and centered. Recently, Louis shared a story about his own deepening perspective of his music on Instagram:

When we did the radio promotion for my album global, one of the quotes from one of the radio stations that resonated with me stated:

“Bit More Global Than Jazz.. just a bit tough for us sorry… Like his playing on Herlin Riley’s CD though”.

It was then and there that I realized that I was on the right path (I think 🤔 👀).

So, when Maestro @tognin_godwin sent me this video clip of his choir performing a piece from my album Global at his church in Benin, I realized, perhaps my music is meant for praise and worship? 🤔 🧐

Happy Sunday to All!

This weekend, Louis returns to The Jazz Gallery for two nights of performances. Alongside regular collaborators like drummer Savannah Harris and trumpeter Billy Buss, Louis will present what he calls “an exploration on hymns,” a next direction in his musical journey.

Godwin Louis plays The Jazz Gallery on Friday, May 26, and Saturday, May 27, 2023. The group features Mr. Louis on saxophones, Axel Tosca on piano, Savannah Harris on drums, Billy Buss on trumpet, Hogyu Hwang on bass, and Johnny Mercier on organ. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. E.D.T. each night. $30 general admission ($15 for members, $10 for student members), $40 reserved cabaret seating ($25 for members), $20 livestream access ($5 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.