Winds gather and subside through the essence of time echoing cascades of rhythm that bellow testament through vibration, healing the Earth endlessly. We that follow Groove through the magnificence of Spirit, render ourselves to its omnipotence and its beauty of Flow. This is a knowing that comes from the Heart. This is ‘Spirit Groove’! It is an intelligence that is felt first, above and beyond the perceived intellect of Academia.
I am most thankful to the incomparable David Murray for always being there for me as a friend and as an inspirational musical collaborator for more than 40 years. His sound is Big, Bold, and so well informed with the history and legacy of our people’s music. His skills are masterful, surpassing the presumptuous pander of conservative criticism.
I am also very happy and appreciative of the exceptional performances on ‘Spirit Groove’ from the incredible bassist, Emma Dayhuff, and the keyboard wizardry of Justin Dillard. They put so much love and hard work into this project, as did Mr. Murray. This band consists of accomplished players, both young and older, who have combined all of our experiences to truly be on the One!
‘Spirit Groove’ intends to move you nakedly with a deep sense of dance on a Mind/Body/Spirit level. From the mouths of Bebop music masters, who were my mentors and that I also had the distinct honor to play with – such as Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, Eddie Harris, Malachi Favors, Jodie Christine, Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk, they all expressed to me that in the beginning of Bebop, people everywhere danced with Spirit to the music of Charlie Parker!
This is the moment to rekindle the motion of social relevance within the legacy of jazz as an improvised people’s movement for social change, “Let Freedom Ring!” I was blessed to be a former chairman of the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Music), who strongly believed and promoted freedom of expression above and beyond all else. In the words of Bird, “Now’s the Time!” to re-embrace Groove as a mission in reconnecting the Souls of all people into the Spirit of a new Awakening! I am here referring to dance through music not as the too familiar ‘shake your booty’ thang, but more importantly as a ‘shake your chakras’ enlightenment revolution. It is time to wake up and reconnect the Body, Mind and Soul! Spirit Groove is intended to be a social experience through music.
The compositions and themes on this wonderful double LP recording speak to the embodiment of their titles. In ‘Trane in Mind’ we are exploring the spiritual groove of intense swing. In David’s ‘Necktar’, we want folks to feel the power of faith when one truly loves; it was written for David’s new wife, Francesca Murray. ‘In the Spirit’, I first performed it in Germany in 1979, at the Moers Jazz Festival. We took an entirely new spin on this classic of mine. ‘Katon’ was written for my 4th oldest son, who is quite a special and loving human being, as are all of my 7 children and 4 grandchildren! ‘Song of Myself’ was first performed in a Trio with David Murray and the late great bassist, Fred Hopkins. It’s all about the introspection of dancing in your mind. David and I co-wrote ‘One World Family’ in the 80’s. It has become our theme song over the years. ‘In My House’ is a brand new composition written specifically for the ‘Spirit Groove’ project. It is my welcoming song to all of you!
I would like to gratefully thank Gilles Peterson for his eloquent liner notes. He is truly a magnificent Bridge of global sound and profound humanity. Thank you Nep Sidhu for all you do, your art is amazing! Your eyes are pure light that give color and transformative energy to our planet. Chris Andrew, thank you for your incredible images and video – you shape motion into magic! Last but not least, thank you Thea and Mark at Spiritmuse Records for supporting my music and vision with unwavering commitment and professionalism. You are the team I have been dreaming about for years and decades. Finally, thank you Lucy Slivinski for all of your support and creative collaborations over the years.
I am so happy and thankful that we have all arrived to this moment, let us Groove in the Spirit forever!
–Kahil El’Zabar
