The music presented on this live recording represents my concept of composing for improvisors. This idea came from considering ways that a being may travel through processes that we have yet to implement on the physical plane. I think these ideas can be explored through practices that take us away from the common reality, like improvising music and meditation. The musicians taking part in this performance, who I am deeply blessed to create with as each of them is a powerful creative force for beauty, was given a Tone Map to help direct them in their vibrational energy travel from the common plane to the Tone World (named and explored by the great William Parker). These Tone Maps are inspired by Cecil Taylor, Octavia Butler, William Parker, Amiri Baraka, Frank Herbert, and all beings who lend dedicate themselves to being a force for good as described by St. John W. Coltrane Ohnedaruth. These processes of traveling through the use of vibrational energy must always belong to everyone forever, otherwise they are completely useless and we have failed. This music is for everyone, if it wasn't, it wouldn't be music.
title for track 4 "The Preparation for Pain is Minimal, for Joy a Lifetime" is a quote from the great Amiri Baraka.
My deepest thanks to the collaborators on this project, I cannot express enough how much I appreciate you as artists and people.
Thank you for listening and for being. I love you.
credits
released January 13, 2023
Pete Dennis- Bass, Tone Maps, Production, Ney
Matt Lavelle- Flugelhorn, Bass Clarinet
Tracy Lisk- Percussion
Mervin Toussaint- Alto Saxophone
Salina Kuo- photography
Recorded live in upstairs at Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant in West Philadelphia surrounded by many beautiful friends who lent us their vibrations. Sincere thanks to Abyssinia for the space.