Bob Murad: The Observer

  The Observer: For me this is looking both outward and inward, studying Jazz Tradition and “listening” with my ears, soul and kinesthetic sense. The “Observer” also refers to a particular attitude or poise during playing borne out of studying and rehearsing in such a way so that you can trust and non-judgmentally witness the spontaneous creative process of playing  – to become an honest conduit for music in the present which recalls Charlie Parker’s Blues “Now’s The Time”.

   I had the great fortune to hear and study with Arthur Rhames, the late great multi-instrumentalist and he often spoke of being “the Observer” while playing. Hearing him perform with his band during the 1980’s in NYC was a transformative and transcendent experience. Jeff “Siege” Siegel (dr.) and John Esposito (pn.) were band members with Arthur. They introduced me to him and his music. John’s compositions and piano playing have also had a strong influence on my musical direction and interests. 

  The music documented on this CD are my original compositions with the exception of my arrangement of two of Arthur’s compositions: Its a Never ending Goal/ How Great You Are .  It’s a compilation of music I’ve organized using a varied arrangement of essential formal, harmonic and rhythmic Jazz elements.

  Transception alludes to music’s power to transport us to another dimension, raptly engage us and enlarge our somato-emotional experience. At it’s best Music elevates our consciousness, delivering a potentially transformative force.

  Hexagon explores the inherent or implied six-sided harmonic structure within twelve tone music with rhythmic consonance, and a layering of melody.

  MLK was born of my admiration for King’s courage, oratory, Civil Rights struggle and triumphs. I’ve always been attracted to the inimitable harmonic richness and evocative power of Spirituals.

  Expressions imposes a 6/8 feel on the harmonic mirror image of the A section of AABA form and harmonic relationship of Miles Davis’ So What and John Coltrane’s Impressions sharing the same form as I Got Rhythm.

  Multiverses explores the close relationship of ii7-V7 minor 3rd cycles or tetra harmonic tension points and the fluidity and order of harmonic tension with a little play off of standard song forms.

  This recording wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration, support and masterful playing of James King and Frank T Williams IV who joined me on Hexagon, MLK and Multiverses. The stellar trumpet work and musicianship of Kenny Rittenhouse is brilliantly displayed on these selections. These tracks were recorded at Blue House Productions in Silver Spring, MD.

  The remainder of the tracks were recorded at NRS studios in NY with an alternate set of wonderful musicians who brought their talents and experiences to this project. Siege’s sensitive and tasteful drumming was integral to the band’s sound. Multi-instrumentalist Luis Faife made both recording sessions for which I’m very grateful. Rashaan Carter’s wonderful bass playing and collaborative spirit added immeasurably to the foundation of the unit’s sound. Many thanks to Fred Berryhill for his dynamic percussion work on Expressions, No Exit and The Observer.

– Bob Murad 2015