As LifeForcejazz continues to build an impressive roster of artists and music catalog, Dawan Muhammad looks for opportunities to pay tribute to legendary jazz masters and artists deserving of wider recognition by soliciting and showcasing original compositions and arrangements from members of the collective. Musicians and artists from other disciplines affiliated with the organization often collaborate and perform together publicly under the auspices of the LifeForcejazz All-Stars. I have been honored to witness, participate and produce several of these events, billed as BAJABA (Bay Area Jazz and Blues Artists) ShowCase and usually recorded for radio and television broadcast. In February of 2014, the musicians appearing on this CD premiered several original compositions as part of African American History Celebrations and during the same time period, some selections were also recorded in studio.
Although a variety of jazz styles were presented in the live concerts, the studio recordings focus was on emulating the post bop sound exemplified during the “high tide” of revolutionary spirit in the 1960’s. Interpretations of jazz traditions have always varied in concept, depending on orientation, however it is generally accepted that “true” jazz is a spontaneous art form, NOT necessarily created for purposes of commercial success. As a result, listeners with more than casual interests in jazz appreciate fresh approaches to music styles from different eras. At the grassroots community level, Dawan Muhammad is among many unsung heroes committed to passing jazz traditions on and one listen to the tracks on this disc, will reveal why I have dubbed him a “GATEKEEPER.” He exemplifies all that the "African American Musical Diaspora" stands for, Giant Steps!
1. Gatekeeper's Blues 04:41
