Local Unsung Heroes: Mwata Bowden

In my continuing series on Local Unsung Heroes of the Chicago scene, I'd like to shine the spotlight on Mwata Bowden, the multi-instrumentalist and educator who continues to plant the seeds that ensure the future of great music here in the city.

He was born in Memphis but grew up in Chicago, spending some of his formative years living near the once vibrant stretch along 47th street, where you could hear live jazz at the Regal Theater, the Metropolitan Theater, and at the historic Gerri's Palm Tavern.

He started out on the clarinet, studying under the legendary Captain Walter Dyett. Captain Dyett's band program produced such luminaries as Gene Ammons, Von Freeman, Joseph Jarman, John Gilmore, Clifford Jordan, Wilbur Ware, Richard Davis, Fred Hopkins, Wilbur Campbell,  Leroy Jenkins, Dinah Washington and Johnny Hartman, to name only a few. Mwata is a part of the second wave of AACM members that includes George Lewis, Douglas Ewart, Henry Threadgill, Anthony Braxton, and others.

After graduating from college with a degree in music education, he picked up the baritone sax and hit the road with the big R&B acts of the time, playing with the bands Bobby "Blue" Bland and Albert King amongst others. This aspect of his sound is still very much a factor as he can get deep into the blues and R&B bag. He's probably best known for his long association with Ed Wilkerson's 8 Bold Souls, he performs with Tatsu Aoki's Miyumi Project, and he also leads his own groups, Tri-tone and Sound Spectrum.

But when I think of Mwata, I think of a fantastic musician and an incredible human being. He is a consummate educator, leading the jazz big band at the University of Chicago, acting as the conductor of the AACM's Great Black Music Ensemble, and bringing his warm and generous spirit to every situation he is a part of.

I also think of him as a secret weapon in any ensemble he plays in. Most people don't think of him as a dominating voice, but that always puts him in a position to impress and wow people with his playing, which he does for me on a consistent basis.

There's a great interview with Mwata available here, and if you ever get a chance to hear his music or speak with him, I encourage you to do so. He possesses a magnanimous.spirit and a kind heart which he expresses in everything he does.

Thanks for everything, Mwata.