Faculty drummer Yacub Addy stars in new 'Congo Square' DVD

	Yacub Addy, left, and Wynton Marsalis

EDITOR'S NOTE: Yacub Addy will appear at two local Barnes and Noble stores the weekend of May 3 and 4 for signings of the Congo Square DVD. In addition to autographing copies purchased, Addy will speak about the creation of the music and give a short performance. The events also include viewings of portions of the DVD. Addy will appear at the Saratoga Springs Barnes and Noble with his West African Drum Ensemble class. Locations and times appear below.

A performance by African drummer and Skidmore Lecturer in Music Yacub Addy with jazz great Wynton Marsalis has been released on DVD. Shot on the opening night of the 2007 Montreal Jazz Festival, the DVD features Congo Square, composed by Addy and Marsalis.

The concert includes Addy's ensemble Odadaa and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performing at the end of the second national tour. The music evolved over time; some parts were dropped and others added. Marsalis, who acted as conductor on the first tour, also performed on the second. The result is a live show different from the CD recorded at the end of the first tour.

The Congo Square DVD is available on Amazon.com and other retailers, and can also be rented from Netflix. It is also being featured this month in Barnes & Noble stores nationwide.

A two-disk Congo SquareCD set was released in 2007. Recorded on the Rose Hall stage at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York (without an audience), and produced by Delfaeyo Marsalis, it includes a 28-page booklet with articles by Addy and Marsalis, and song translations. It is available from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Web site and iTunes, and includes three movements not performed in the DVD.

Barnes and Noble appearances

2?4 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Mohawk Commons 402 Balltown Road, Niskayuna

2?4 p.m. Sunday May 4 Wilton Square 3029 Route 50, Wilton