Remembering multi-instrumentalist Derf Reklaw on his birthday

Remembering flautist/percussionist & educator Derf Reklaw with a few performances and recordings worth checking.  

LINKS

Derf Reklaw site

CKCU-FM In Memorium: Derf Reklaw

Ubiquity – Archive Releases Derf Reklaw's From The Nile

New Dawn Build An Ark's Revision (An Anthology)

R.I.P. master percussionist/flautist Derf Reklaw

Remembering the great percussionist/flautist Derf Reklaw of The Pharaohs and numerous other jazz and funk groups.

Writes Derf Reklaw's daughter Amani....

"Good morning everyone. This is Derf’s daughter, Amani. It is with a heavy heart that I announce his passing.  

He appreciated the love and support from his Facebook family. You all inspired him to make his daily positive affirmation posts.

Thank you all for being on this journey called life with him. While he is no longer with us in the physical form, he leaves behind an outstanding musical legacy that will live on forever. He leaves behind a treasure trove of stories, laughter, and love. He knew history inside and out. He was a multi instrumentalist recently recognized by the Duke Ellington Society as a living Jazz Legend, though his skills and unmatched talent crossed over many genres. 

He was a brother, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration to so many.

We will miss him dearly."

Dwight Trible joins Derf Reklaw to create Cosmic Vibrations

Dwight Trible's ensemble Cosmic Vibrations are putting out their Pathways & Passages album on Friday. 

Here's the scoop...

On September 25, Spiritmuse is releasing Pathways & Passages, the debut album from Cosmic Vibrations, the LA-based ensemble led by acclaimed jazz vocalist Dwight Trible that defines spiritual jazz in the 21st century. A genre-defying 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. 

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. 

Watch Cosmic Vibrations perform "Stay Strong Everybody" at the Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood right here and get a copy of Pathways & Passages over there. 

Check out the Cosmic Vibrations livestream on Friday at 11 pm Eastern. Get the details right here. 

Happy Birthday Derf Reklaw!

Celebrating Derf Reklaw's birthday with the single he recorded with The Intentions for Chicago's Tiki label back in 1971.

Dwight Trible revisits "Brother Where Are You?" on new Mothership album

"Brother Where Are You?" is off Dwight Trible's new album Mothership available right here.  

Happy Birthday Derf Reklaw!

Celebrating the birthday of multi-instrumentalist Derf Reklaw with "Sunrise On The Nile" from 1998.