One of the life goals of Ernest Dawkins, is for his music and compositions to reflect the evolving collective cultural memory of the American jazz aesthetic. Dawkins is one of the world’s premiere saxophonists and composers. He is an entrepreneur with years of experience working with new media technologies to produce and promote his work and that of the jazz community online and in digital venues. He is leader of several ensembles, including the New Horizons Ensemble, Aesop Quartet, Chicago Trio, Live the Spirit Big Band, and the Chicago 12.
He is also a member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble.https://www.normansbistro.com/ Dawkins has recorded numerous CDs. His publishing company, Dawk Music, has eight releases to date.
In 2011, he released two new recordings:
1. New Horizons Ensemble, The Prairie Prophet [Delmark Records];
2. Chicago Trio (Ernest Dawkins, Hamid Drake, Harrison Bankhead) Live at the Velvet Lounge, Dedicated to Fred Anderson [Rogue Art].
5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Chicago Jazz
Ernest Khabeer Dawkins’ New Horizons Ensemble, ‘Mean Ameen’ | Dee Alexander, vocalist
By Giovanni Russonello
New York Times, March 5, 2025
This recording, featuring some of the stalwarts of Chicago’s improvised music scene, should tantalize the palate of any listener new to creative music. The music is exploratory, while at the same time being funky and accessible. This Ernest Dawkins composition is a homage to Chicago’s own Ameen Muhammad, who died in 2003 at 48. Muhammad, a dear friend of Dawkins, was not only a renowned trumpeter and composer but also a highly admired and respected educator; “Mean Ameen” gained international notoriety over the course of his brief career. Ernest Khabeer Dawkins is one of those rare individuals who manages to balance a passion for community, mentorship and art. For me, this piece represents the saxophonist and bandleader at his best, through a beautiful dedication to a dear friend.
The Music of Ernest Dawkins
-up-coming events-
Constellation | 3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
Saturday March 8, 2025 | Doors: 8:00pm | Show: 8:30pm-9:30pm
Ernest Dawkins with
MBIZO!: A Gathering for Johnny Dyani
A performance of the revolutionary music of Johnny “Mbizo” Dyani
South African musician Johnny “Mbizo” Dyani relentlessly sought freedom for over two decades. From the day he jumped on a stage in South Africa to jam on a borrowed bass with Chris McGregor’s Blue Notes, then exiled in Europe, and next through dozens of boundary-breaking collaborations, Dyani’s mission was to set the music free. Refusing to bow to apartheid and colonialism, Dyani was “jumping a bass-line like humping a landmine” (Lesego Rampolokeng). Join us as the South African-based Chimurenga presents a performance of Dyani’s music, the sound of “Panafrica,” co-conducted by two of Chicago’s favorite musical sons, Adam Zanolini and Ben Lamar Gay.
Dee Alexander – voice
Nicole Mitchell – flute, electronics
Adam Zanolini – woodwinds, bass, etc.
Fred Jackson – woodwinds
Ernest Dawkins – woodwinds
Ben LaMar Gay – cornet, electronics
Sharon Udoh – piano
Ivan Taylor – bass
JoVia Armstrong – percussion
Naydja Bruton – drums
This program is presented in partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago and is generously sponsored by Efroymson & Hamid Family, as a part of Panafrica Days.
Musican, Composer, Educator
“Chicago saxophonist Ernest Dawkins has pursued music professionally for nearly 40 years, and in that time he’s built a legacy that’s among the city’s richest.”
© 2021 All Rights Reserved | Ernest Dawkins
