Angel Bat Dawid is a remarkable Black American artist who continuously pushes the boundaries of music and expression. As a composer, improviser, clarinetist, pianist, vocalist, educator, and DJ, Angel's versatility and passion shine through in her work.
In 2019, Angel made a significant impact with the release of her debut album, "The Oracle," on Chicago-based label International Anthem Recording Co. The album was a unique creation, recorded solely using her cell phone in various locations. Its raw and authentic sound resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim, with Pitchfork describing it as "a vibrant, spiritual, free-jazz document of black life as it stands today."
Recognized for her exceptional talent as a bandleader and performer, Angel has composed and performed numerous live pieces, each leaving a lasting impression. Her latest release, "Requiem for Jazz," premiered at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival in 2019, captivating the audience with its emotive and thought-provoking composition. Additionally, Angel was commissioned by the Art Institute of Chicago to compose "Peace: A Suite for Skylanding" for Yoko Ono's outdoor Skylanding installation, further showcasing her ability to create powerful music that resonates with diverse audiences.
Angel's musical journey has taken her across the globe, touring with her ensemble "Tha Brothahood." Their album, "LIVE," released in October 2020, received widespread praise and accolades, including being featured on NPR Music's "Best Albums of 2020" list and receiving Pitchfork's prestigious "Best New Music" recognition. Astonishingly, the Brotherhood also had the privilege of performing at the legendary 2023 Newport Jazz Festival, leaving their mark on one of the most highly regarded jazz festivals worldwide.
Alongside her work with Tha Brothahood, Angel leads the all-woman ensemble, Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty, promoting female empowerment and showcasing the immense talent of women in the music industry. As an educator, Angel shares her extensive knowledge and passion through her "Great Black Music" course at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk, empowering future generations of musicians.
Beyond her captivating performances and educational endeavors, Angel is an active participant in the thriving music community. She is a clarinetist in Damon Locks' Black Monument Ensemble, contributing to their groundbreaking work, and hosts a monthly music show on NTS Radio. Recognizing her outstanding contributions, Pitchfork recently highlighted Angel's work in their "Pitchfork 25 Next" cover story, acknowledging her as one of the artists shaping the future of music.
Angel's influence extends beyond the music scene. In 2021, she was honored as "Chicagoan of the Year" by The Chicago Tribune, a testament to her profound impact on the artistic and cultural landscape of the city. Her "Hush Harbor Mixtape Vol. 1 Doxology," released on Juneteenth, garnered international recognition as it toured across various countries, captivating audiences with its soul-stirring and evocative sound.
As a Co-Founder and member of the performance research group Autophysiopsychic Millennium, Angel took part in Carnegie Hall's Afrofuturism Festival in 2022, a prestigious platform that celebrated her innovative approach to music. Additionally, Angel exhibited her exceptional composition skills by scoring original music for season 2 of the critically acclaimed HBO series "Random Acts of Flyness," a collaboration that further exemplified her artistic versatility.
Angel's latest release, "Requiem For Jazz," is a testament to her ever-evolving artistry and is available on all platforms. With each endeavor, Angel Bat Dawid continues to redefine the boundaries of music, using her talent and creativity to communicate and connect with audiences worldwide. As Sun Ra aptly said, "Music is a language, you see, a universal language," and Angel's work exemplifies this sentiment as she offers a profound musical experience that transcends any language barrier.
Tha Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty
Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty (named by Artist/Musician Lonnie Holley) are a revolving collective and network of Great Black Women Composers. Led by Clarinetist/Pianist/Vocalist Angel Bat Dawid and including Multi-Sensory Artist, Pianist & Vocalist Sophiyah E. (Detroit), Vocalist/Saxophonist Monique Golding, Tumpter/Vocalist Tramaine Parker, and Multi-instrumentalist/Vocalist, Eva Supreme.
Emerging from the Great Black music traditions of Chicago & Detroit, this group comes together with a myriad of musical backgrounds, textures and sounds relying heavily on spontaneous compositions and improvisation. This ensemble has performed for Elastic Arts 3rd Annual Benefit Concert, as a part of the first and second Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts Virtual Ecstatic JAZZCITY 2021: Women of Chicago JazzMusic & has opened for the Sun Ra Arkestra at Central Park Summer Stage 2021.
Watch Sistazz of Tha Nitty Gritty at Summer Stage in New York's Central Park
At Transition East Gardens Taken by Camíla
At Transition East Gardens Taken by Camíla
Sistazz of Tha Nitty Gritty at FORCE OPERA
At Transition East Gardens Taken by Camíla
Angel Bat Dawid and Tha Brothahood
Pitchfork Review of 'LIVE' by Angel Bat Dawid And Tha Brothahood
Ideal Trouble Fest
Austin Town Hall MusicMovesCHI Taken by Suliyman
Ideal Trouble Fest