For over 15 years, Bop Shop Records has had a happy and productive relationship with AACM master percussionist Kahil El'Zabar. Going back to 2000 when he first brought his main band, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, to the atrium at Village Gate, he has graced us with several versions of his various ensembles. Earlier in 2016, we presented an edition of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble featuring trombonist Craig Harris and baritone saxophonist Hamiet Blueitt. Back in 2001, we presented the duo of El'Zabar and violinist Billy Bang. But perhaps our most well-attended concert was a duet set with saxophonist David Murray in 2000. And we are proud that it resulted in the album We Is: Live At The Bop Shop, released on Delmark Records to great acclaim. Just a sampling of the reviews:

This album, recorded live at Bop Shop Records in Rochester, NY, further documents Kahil El'Zabar and David Murray's decade-plus musical partnership. A forceful and impassioned pair, El'Zabar and Murray literally take no prisoners on this energetic and vivacious session. … For those looking for a taste of what truly sounds "Ancient to the Future,” as the AACM's motto goes, this well recorded live date will more than fit the bill. (Troy Collins — Cadence)

“We Is” presents Murray in a duo with one of jazz's percussion masters, Kahil El’Zabar.…  The new CD documents a live performance at the obviously very hip Rochester, N.Y., record  store, Bop Shop Records. … Murray's been hotter, but it's great to hear him again in a stripped-down context. And it's great to hear El'Zabar, period.  (Chris Kelsey — Jazz Times)