The title of this recording, INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS, refers to the process which helped to generate the music. This is a series of dialogues, intimate in the sense that they involve shared and/or familiar experiences expressed in musical terms. It is a music of the moment; improvisations created in free space, in a first meeting. Like a drawing in ink on rice paper, it is what it is with out pretense, without correction, without apology. (Joe McPhee)

The title of this recording, INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS, refers to the process which helped to generate the music. This is a series of dialogues, intimate in the sense that they involve shared and/or familiar experiences expressed in musical terms. It is a music of the moment; improvisations created in free space, in a first meeting. Like a drawing in ink on rice paper, it is what it is with out pretense, without correction, without apology.

The titles of the pieces are suggestions for further conversations rather than descriptions. The music is a journey of discovery for the musicians and we hope for the listener as well. Labels like “free jazz “and “avant garde” are boxes which limits ones ability to experience discovery on its own terms. “Free jazz” has become and oxymoron and the “avant garde” a throwback style. We hope that the listener will find this simply art in its own time.

The center piece of the session is Jay Rosen’s solo tribute NORTH STAR, honoring master percussionist Max Roach. It is elegant in its simplicity, strength and ability to conger so many elements of Mr. Roach’s magic.

In American history, the North Star was a coded symbol used by slaves to guide them on their journey to freedom. In automotive circles, Cadillac chose North Star as a name for a new engine design representing the standard of excellence. Of course the North Star has historically been the guide for sailors and travelers. Max Roach embodies a stabndard of excellance and elegance, and has been our guide on our journey to freedom.

(Joe McPhee)