Pheeroan akLaff

Who is Pheeroan akLaff?

Pheeroan akLaff is an American jazz drummer. Pheeroan akLaff began playing in his hometown of Detroit, and Ann Arbor, Michigan with Travis Biggs, Ars Nova, The Ebony Set, The Last Days, and Rod Lumpkin, recorded with Major Lansky. Moved to New Haven, Connecticut and formed DejaVu with Dwight Andrews. Debuted with Bill Baron in 1975; followed by tenure in Leo Smith's New Dalta Ahkri.

Later developed a longstanding association with Oliver Lake, which included writing for their fusion ensemble, Jump Up. His performance and recorded history includes works with Andrew Hill, Cecil Taylor, Reggie Workman and many others. He is co-founder of Seed Artists Inc. of Brooklyn 2006. He is Wesleyan University music teacher.