A sweeping jazz journey from Africa to America—Afro/American Sketches — originally titled by Oliver Nelson in 1961 — tells a story of struggle, resilience, and hope that resonates across generations.
Afro American Sketches presents Oliver Nelson’s landmark 1961 composition Afro/American Sketches, a profound musical narrative tracing the African American experience through history, memory, and aspiration. Inspired by Nelson’s study of the musical traditions of nearly 200 African tribes, this seven-movement work unfolds as a deeply expressive journey.









