The contemporary jazz quintet Blue Aura is the realization of drummer and composer Francis Bassett-Dilley’s vision to musically create a bridge out of a wall. That wall is the challenges of living with Cystic Fibrosis, and the bridge is creating change and inspiration through music. Blue Aura plays all original material written by Francis, which blends elements of Black American Music, Impressionist European classical, and avant-garde styles, bringing the audience through an electrifying musical journey.
Rooted in his experience with Cystic Fibrosis, the music aims to not only give a voice to the CF community, but also to inspire listeners - especially fellow CF patients - to embrace their passions, uniqueness, and paths to live a more fulfilling life. Some inspirations of our sound include Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, Kendrick Scott Oracle, and Wayne Shorter.
Francis “FBD” Bassett-Dilley is a drummer, percussionist, composer, and educator based in Chicago. He frequently performs across a wide range of styles—including jazz, R&B, improvised music, fusion and more.
Francis leads the band Blue Aura, featuring all original compositions he wrote, blending styles of Black American Improvisational Music, Impressionist Music, and Avant Garde.
Many of his compositions are about his experiences with Cystic Fibrosis, and aim to give a voice to the CF community. The band recently played at the Chicago Jazz Festival and OPAC Jazz Festival.
As a sideman, Francis has shared the stage & recorded with acclaimed artists such as Wycliffe Gordon, Dave Stryker, Marquis Hill, Greg Ward, Jeff Parker, Fabian Almazan,
Pharez Whitted, Sachal Vasandani, Ernest Dawkins, Rahsaan Barber, John Raymond, and performing with ensembles like the IU African American Dance Company and the IU Soul Revue and the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra.
Francis has performed at a variety of prestigious venues including the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Indy Jazz Fest, the JEN conference, Carmel Jazz Festival, the Loop Arts Festival, the OPAC Jazz Festival, Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Auer Hall at Indiana University, the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, and more.
Band lineup will be:
Greg Ward II - alto sax
Sam Butler - trumpet
Brandon Harper - piano
Sofia Rabiela - bass
Francis "FBD" Bassett-Dilley - drums and compositions
$15