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Described
as "consistantly inventive" (Billboard), "a
master of bold interpretation" (Jazz Times), "jazz
singing at its cutting edge best" (LA Times), Barbara
Sfraga has been on a musical journey that evolved from
church organist to rock keyboardist to singer to "voicist".
In 1989, "bass artisan" Christopher Dean Sullivan
met kindred spirit "soundrhythium" Michael "T.A."
Thompson and collaborated to form Center Search Quest,
offering some of the most fun, unbridled jazz you'll ever
hear. Center Search Quest is just that: a search for the
center of sound and vibration. This ensemble taps into
each other's spirit in such a way that their improvisations
become spontaneous compositions. When they ultimately
fall into a tune, it's a purely organic occurrence. All
walls are down, everything is up for grabs and anything
can happen.
Barbara stepped into the "Quest" in 2002, after
hearing Chris and "T.A." perform at Harlem's
Lenox Lounge Monday night sessions. Barbara instantly
knew she had found her kindred sprits, and the three embarked
on yet another odyssey. They collaborated together throughout
the course of the next 2 years (voice/bass/drums), performing
some of Barbara's originals as well as their unconventional
arrangements of jazz and pop standards. During that time,
"T.A." made a comment to Barbara that what she
needed to do next was an entirely original project. Although
she had a few of her originals sprinkled on her previous
two recordings ("Oh, What a Thrill", Naxos Jazz
and "Under the Moon", A440 Music Group) she
was more known for her unconventional twists on jazz and
pop standards (pops-terdizing jazz and jazz-terdizing
pop...)
In 2003, "T.A." and triple threat pianist/vocalist/songwriter
Mala Waldron began a writing collaboration. Shortly thereafter,
they surprised Barbara with material they had written
expressly for her, with the invitation to write lyrics
to any of the tunes she resonated with. That "gift"
put this present journey into motion. Soon after, the
unit began regularly writing together toward what would
become 'The Timelessness Project'. Mala Waldron - who
also leads her own group - officially joined the unit
in the summer of 2004, and saxophonist/flautist Allen
Won came on board shortly after that. After Barbara and
Michael heard Allen at a festival where both groups were
performing, they knew he was that missing piece of the
puzzle - the perfect fit.
Collaborating with these stellar musicians, Sfraga and
Center Search Quest are genre-bending their way to a whole
new sound. With roots firmly planted in jazz and with
the improvisational element always in place, Sfraga and
CSQ are on a quest to leave no groove unturned. All five
musicians lend their creative -- as well as their physical
-- voices to this project in three part harmony, with
a little spoken word thrown into the pot. It’s music
without borders. Sfraga and CSQ's newest recording, due
to be released September 2006 features mostly their original
material. They sprinkle their live performances with a
few boldly arranged, yet familiar surprises.
Mala Waldron, Allen Won and Center Search Quest's Christopher
Dean Sullivan and Michael "T.A." Thompson also
lead their own units respectively. You can read more about
those projects, as well as more about Barbara and her
prior projects through the website links below.
Barbara Sfraga, www.barbarasfraga.com
Center Search Quest (Christopher Dean Sullivan & Michael
"T.A." Thompson),
www.drimala.com/artists/csq.htm
Mala Waldron, www.alwaysthere-CD.com
Allen Won, www.allenwon.com
"Bass Artisan"/Songwriter Christopher Dean Sullivan
is a versatile bassist of many musical languages: reggae,
Caribbean, Indian, African, and Eurocentric perceptions,
rock, country, and more. Chris can be heard on CDs from
acoustic folk and blues music to gospel. Mr. Sullivan’s
approach is heartfelt and is accessed first of all by
intensive listening -- to himself, to the elemental structure
of a tune, to the soul of his fellow musicians, and to
his own quest for the purest, more direct expression of
sound and feeling.
"Soundrhythium"/Songwriter Michael “T.A.”
Thompson is an anomaly. That's why you’ll often
find him in the company of such a wide variety of musical
artists from classical to rap and beyond. Allowing all
these influences to flow through him, "T.A."'s
palate encompasses an abundance of sound colors. He hears
everything, and plays with it in a way that's ever inventive
and perceptively responsive.
Thompson plays as he breathes - he brings to the stage
a distinct freshness. You'll always find him in the moment,
inspired as well as inspiring. Mr. Thompson is also an
instructor of non-conventional rudiments that brings the
student into a rhythm of self-identity.
Pianist/Vocalist/Songwriter Mala Waldron attributes the
musical influences of jazz, soul, gospel, and a hint of
calypso while creating her distinctive style. The daughter
of two jazz pianists, the native New Yorker feels she
was destined to be a musician. Her father, pianist and
composer Mal Waldron, became her first role model, and
taught her that great things can be accomplished when
you take your dreams seriously. Mala’s own group,
The Mala Waldron Project, is a dynamic and cohesive unit
that includes guitarist Steve Salerno, bassist Miriam
Sullivan and "soundrhythium" Michael "T.A."
Thompson, performing Mala’s original compositions
as well as her artfully arranged jazz and pop standards.
www.alwaysthere-CD.com
Multi-Reedist/Flautist/Composer Allen Won has embraced
a diverse career. Allen’s eclectic performance itinerary
has encompassed playing with the Chamber Music Society
of Lincoln Center, many of the orchestras in and around
New York including the New York Philharmonic, the New
York City Ballet, the City Opera, The New Jersey Philharmonic
and various jazz and experimental groups. He has recorded
along with Kenny Garrett, Thomas Chapin, John Hollenbeck,
Theo Bleckmann, Jerome Kitzke, Benny Rietveld and Tiger
Okoshi. The “Jewel in the Lotus” is his first
solo recording featuring his own compositions. www.allenwon.com |
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