“akoma trio” is a jazz concept ensemble with primary founding members, American saxophonist, Rick Countryman, and American percussionist, retired profeest, and currently a Senior Fulbright Scholar,Dr. Royal Hartigan. Together, as akoma, they explore original and traditional concepts in the African American jazz heritage. Each is also active individually, producing many international recordings and films.

        “akoma trio” includes the addition of acoustic bassist, Paolo Alcantara. Central to their conceptual approach are global time cycles, African rhythms, and open improvisation in ensembles of diverse instrumentation and sizes.

        The jazz trio will perform original compositions, from both Rick Countryman and Dr. Royal Hartigan, based on odd meters of 7/4 and 5/4, and a polyrhythmic selection with 2 beat over 3 beat concepts.