Robert Crowder

This Chicago-based percussionist was an early member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, although he is not considered one of the principal members of the group and only appears on some early recordings. He was also featured on other recordings by musicians from the avant-garde camp, such as Malachi Thompson, and was drawn into recording projects involving Chicago blues artists such as Jimmy Dawkins, most likely via the Delmark label which was involved in recording both the blues and the avant-garde jazz music of the Windy City. He recorded with Bo Diddley on one of that artist's many comeback efforts in the mid-'70s, and took part in the Gil Evans' tribute to Jimi Hendrix, entitled Little Wing, released in 1978. A common mistake involving this Crowder is assuming he is the same man who plays hand drums on several Afro-jazz ventures by Art Blakey, Olatunji, and others that were released in the early '60s. These performances are the work of an older Crowder, however, who is also known under the name of Baba Ibekunle Bey. Ironically, one of the albums on which the Crowders have been confused is an effort by the little-known Montego Joe, which actually does include playing by the real avant-garde drummer Milford Graves, early in his career. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide