Charles Downs (formerly Rashid Bakr) is a pioneering percussionist and composer whose boundary-pushing work has been a vital force in the evolution of avant-garde jazz and free improvisation since the 1970s. Known for his explosive energy, intricate rhythmic sensibility, and deep spiritual grounding, Downs was a key figure in New York’s loft jazz scene, performing with legends such as Cecil Taylor, Billy Bang, and Jemeel Moondoc.

A longtime member of ensembles like Other Dimensions in Music and Muntu, Downs helped shape a collective approach to improvisation that emphasized both individuality and communal expression. His playing merges Afrocentric rhythmic traditions with a fearless sense of exploration, creating sonic landscapes that are at once urgent and meditative.

Throughout his career, Downs has been deeply influenced by the ethos of the Black Arts Movement and has continuously sought to honor African diasporic traditions through his music. Performing under the name Rashid Bakr for decades, he has recently reclaimed his birth name, Charles Downs, marking a new chapter in a life devoted to artistic freedom and cultural integrity.

Today, he remains an active and vital presence in the experimental music world, inspiring new generations of artists through his uncompromising vision and enduring creativity.