Born in 1935, Russell Linwood Thomas, a talented individual of African-American and Canadian heritage, would later adopt the name Al-Hajj Sayyd Abdul Al-Khabyyr in 1971, following a significant transformation in his life.
Abdul Al-Khabyyr's remarkable professional trajectory was marked by a prolonged period of extensive touring alongside the iconic Dizzy Gillespie, a collaboration that spanned a remarkable four years, from 1983 to 1987. During this time, he made indelible marks on the music world by appearing alongside Gillespie in not one, but two, cinematic masterpieces: the captivating 'A Night in Havana' and the equally impressive 'A Night in Chicago'.
What's more, Abdul Al-Khabyyr holds the distinction of being the solitary individual to have successfully executed every saxophone part in a consecutive manner within the esteemed Duke Ellington Orchestra, a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication to his craft.
A special tribute concert was organized on June 26, 2011, as part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, in order to pay homage to the extraordinary achievements of Abdul Al-Khabyyr, whose influence has been instrumental in shaping the Montreal jazz scene. This esteemed tribute serves as a testament to his lasting impact within the jazz community, solidifying his reputation as the patriarch of Montreal's "second great family of Jazz," a title that reflects his profound legacy and the significant role he has played in the development of jazz in the city.
