A sublime amalgamation of divine vocals, soul-stirring jazz, healing poetry, with a rich tapestry of African, Mesoamerican and indigenous North American percussion and instrumentation, taking you on a cosmic journey of spiritual improvisation and beyond.
Cosmic Vibrations is a supergroup of heavyweight musicians with a vast combined experience, an ensemble of 6 souls who approach improvisation full of spirit and without ego. Gathered for this very purpose by Dwight Trible, undoubtedly the most acclaimed and in-demand vocalist currently working in the realms of spiritual jazz, the band has been performing steadily over the last three years, building a reputation in LA and further afield for their electric, mesmerising performances. “Pathways & Passages” presents the first time that their transcendental sound has been recorded and publicly released.
A show-stopping performer and artist, Dwight Trible has directed the legendary Horace Tapscott Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, and performed alongside with the likes of Pharoah Sanders, J Dilla, Gary Bartz, Kamasi Washington, Kahil El’Zabar, Madlib, Charles Lloyd, Matthew Halsall, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Soil & “Pimp” Sessions, Mark de Clive-Lowe, and Carlos Niño. There is indeed no one today who better carries on the tradition of legendary jazz vocalists such as Terry Callier, Leon Thomas and Andy Bey, whilst carrying that torch forward and exploring brand new territory. Apart from his rich vocal tones, Trible is also heard on kalimba here.
Master percussionist, flautist and composer, Derf Reklaw is an original member of the Pharaohs, legendary soul jazz ensemble and precursor to Earth, Wind & Fire, and has performed and recorded with the likes of Terry Callier, Ramsey Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Harris, Minnie Riperton and Ahmad Jamal. On assorted wind instruments is Pablo Calogero. Not only has he worked with everyone in Latin, spiritual and free jazz, from Tito Puente to Phil Ranelin and Yusef Lateef, but he also contributed to the soundtrack for Basquiat’s seminal ‘Downtown 81’ film, alongside Liquid Liquid, The Lounge Lizards, and Basquiat’s own “Gray” outfit.
John B Williams, on acoustic bass, joined The Horace Silver Quintet in the 60s after studying with Ron Carter. Greatly in demand across music and TV, John has worked with the likes of Roy Ayers, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, Freddie Hubbard, Hugh Masekela, Bobby Hutcherson and Nancy Wilson. Master percussionist Christopher Garcia adds a vast array of avant-garde, indigenous and traditional instrumentation, drawing upon his long career performing, learning and teaching across 28 countries in 5 continents. Finally, improvisational drummer, percussionist, instrumental designer/builder & sound sculptor, Breeze Smith, often seen performing alongside flautist & composer Nicole Mitchell, pianist David Ornette Cherry (son of Don Cherry) and other key players in the experimental music scene, can be heard here playing drums, homemade percussion and original loops, and produced the album alongside Trible.
Improvisation forms the core of this record, but the rhythm, the groove is never absent. The poetry led 'Nature’s Vision' sets the tone for the record’s journey, but it peaks on the group’s incredible rendition “Motherless Child”. A live favourite of Trible’s, this bluesy take rides heavy on Williams’ bass and enjoys the addition of guest Scott Fraser’s lap steel guitar. With his rich, emotive singing Trible takes full possession of the song. By the time the beautiful closing ballad, “Some Other Time” ends, the album has truly succeeded in transcending the listener from their earthly surroundings.
A genre-defying amalgam of divine vocals, intuitive improvisation and deeply spiritual music, on Trible’s voice soars among the nexus of winds & skins from an incredibly talented and “deeply rooted” group in complete brotherly connection with one another. If you are looking for genuine, soul-enriching spiritual jazz today, look no further than “Pathways & Passages”.
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