Video: Rez Abbasi's Global Music Steeped in Jazz

December 20th, 2016

Acclaimed saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa plays at Asia Society New York on December 16, 2016. (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)

The full 'Invocation' jazz ensemble during their performance at Asia Society New York on December 16, 2016. (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)

Renowned jazz guitarist Rez Abbasi during his performance at Asia Society New York on December 16, 2016. (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)

Critically acclaimed musician Vijay Iyer plays the piano at Asia Society New York on December 16, 2016. (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)

Elizabeth Means on cello (L), and Rez Abbasi during a performance at Asia Society New York on December 16, 2016. (Ellen Wallop/Asia Society)

Last Friday, renowned Pakistani-American guitarist Rez Abbasi brought the musical stylings of Invocation, a unique jazz project, to Asia Society New York for two performances.

The sextet, which features pianist Vijay Iyer, saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, bassist Johannes Weidenmueller, percussionist Dan Weiss, and cellist Elizabeth Means, explores the musical traditions of South Asia through the lens of contemporary jazz. The product is what Abbasi calls a "global-based music steeped in jazz" following in the footsteps of greats like John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie, artists who immersed themselves in music from around the world.

Watch the full performance in the video below.