02.23.12
Kelan Phil Cohran was interviewed by Carlos Niño at The Last Bookstore
Film Directed and Edited by Eric Coleman
Photography by Mike Park and Eric Coleman
Audio Recorded and Mixed by Diego Herrera
This offering is a creative collaboration between dublab & Mochilla
LIVE FRANKIPHONE PERFORMANCE:
Some people have the gift of voice and a way with words, and that’s their music. They’re able to communicate ideas so coherently and poetically that the information fully integrates into you. This is rare and amazing! Sciences, Metaphysics, the Cosmos and other profound subjects of note – they all appear with clarity and flow by the tone and shape of this person’s utterance. Kelan Phil Cohran is one of these people, and as well, his music is played through a range of instruments, from Trumpet, and a variety of reeds, to the Frankiphone (Space Harp) that he invented. His whole life is in tune with this vibration, and he communicates it singularly, channeling, one with the energy that he’s transmitting. An astronomer, and star himself, Cohran shines his light in conversation with enthusiasm and feeling that delivers a message of true tone and Unity. Here, Cohran’s concert is a talk. You can here all the beautiful melodies, the intuition and wisdom, the creativity and intention, as he shares prophetically about life.
Cohran made significant contributions to the Sun Ra Arkestra during the 60s. As a major figure in Chicago, he influenced the formation of the world renowned Earth, Wind and Fire, is the Father and mentor of 8 of the 9 members of the celebrated contemporary band Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, and has lead the independent community based Artistic Heritage Ensemble and Legacy groups. It was inspiring to hear him lecture in the early 2000s on KPFK 90.7FM’s Rise hosted by Mark Maxwell, to attend his weekly residency at Chicago’ restaurant Ethiopian Diamond several times, and to listen to his solo offerings in intimate venues like Hollywood, California’s Schindler House, as well as large ensemble presentations in theaters. Cohran is a humble giant and a musical being that generously gives his time, encouraging the enrichment and upliftment of those around him. In February 2012 we sat in Downtown, Los Angeles’ The Last Bookstore, with dublab on sound and Mochilla on video, while he was in town to perform with his sons as part of ArtDontSleep’s Homage event. It was an honor.
