2006 saw the debut release of JAAFAR’s masterpiece, inspired by the writings of Joseph Campbell (Hero With A 1000 Faces). Begun in 2003, finished and compiled in 2006, this 3 CD set tells the story, reveals the formula - the monomyth, opens up the thought of comparative mythology, exploring the hero’s journey through the universal language of music
That which is beyond names and forms. No tongue has soiled it. No word as reached it. Beyond all horizons.
Joseph Campbell’s book “The Hero With A 1000 Faces” states that important myths from around the world, which have survived for thousands of years all share a fundamental structure.
In laying out this monomyth, Joseph Campbell describes a number of stages along the journey.
The hero (which usually is to be transferred as you) starts in the ordinary every day world, and then through varied means, receives a call to enter into an unusual/other world, encountering a series of strange powers and events (a call to adventure).
When the hero accepts the call to enter this “other world”, the one must face tasks and trials (a road of trials), and may have to deal with these trials most often alone, or may perceive to have assistance (again various aspects of one self).
At its most intense, the hero must survive a severe challenge, often with “enlightened” help earned along the journey.
In surviving these challenges, the hero achieves a great gift (the goal or "boon"), which often results in the discovery of important self-knowledge.
Then deciding whether to return with this boon (the return to the ordinary world), often facing challenges on the return journey.
Upon the hero returning successfully, the boon or gift may be used to improve the world (again to be taken as ones self) (the application of the boon).
It can all be interpreted psychologically, personally, and in spiritual metaphors help us to deal with not necessarily looking for the meaning of life, but the experience of being alive. These stories, these myths are but guides, maps as we move through our own experiences and life.
JAAFAR is a Funk-Fusion Eastern inspired Jazz ensemble, with Robert Troy Cole guiding the cast into exotic funk territories on lead-bass. JAAFAR takes jazz, middle-eastern and Indian style improvisation into new funk elements, which transcend categories, crossing boundaries beyond all horizons.
Troy Cole (4 string acoustic bass, 6 string electric bass, acoustic upright bass, synth, extra peripheral sonic stimulation) is accompanied with an exquisite ensemble:
Antonio Arce, Chris Conley, Doug Karger –drums
Naji Hilal – oud, qanoon, ney, riq, duuf, violin
Vishnu Gangadharan, Jefferson Dalby – keys
Marco Nardelli – flute, sax
Peter Merkx – tabla, congas, djembe, duuf, darbuka
Guhl – darbuka, khanjera, oud, guitar
Mohammed Atif – darbuka
With:
Andy McKee – saxophone
Pat Madison – guitar
Mike Lyons – flugelhorn
Iraqi Mezmar Band
Cairo Art Ensemble
Soner Cicek, Hamit Golbasi, Jamal Sinno
Lars Burka
JAAFAR is world traveled, not only in sound, but has performed and recorded several tours in Cairo, Egypt, been invited for 2 consecutive years (2003, 2004) to perform at The Conga Square Jazz Festival in Calcutta India, Poland’s Jazz Festival, Dubai, and numerous festivals and venues of all styles across all remote reaches of NC.
JAAFAR incorporates the Middle Eastern techniques of melodic improvisation with the Jazz styles of John Coltrane, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jonas Hellborg, Shakti and others. The group’s percussionists have global influences that travel rhythmically from West Africa to Turkey, through India & the West.
At times the music of JAAFAR is projected as energetic and explosive, while at other moments the experience can be sensitive and subtle; the members of JAAFAR expertly fuse traditional Arabic melodies, classical Indian concepts of composition, North African rhythmic grooves, and pure American Jazz and old-school Funk.
A spiritual, meditative philosophy shines through the music of JAAFAR. The band’s "Acoustic Form" expresses these sensibilities, while JAAFAR's "Electric Form" exhibits raw power and beauty. At all times, this band demonstrates a musical willingness to push itself and its audiences to unforeseen destinations.
Bandleader & lead bassist Robert Troy Cole embarked on a musical & spiritual journey through Egypt in 2000. While immersed in the local culture, an intersection crossbreeding ancient memories with modern shadows, Troy explored musical territory that combined his love of American Jazz improv & Funk Fusion with traditional Middle Eastern musical themes. On many occasions Troy has returned to Cairo, Egypt (2003-2007) to perform with outstanding local Egyptian talent, and bring the message of unity through music.
JAAFAR has now performed along side of such exceptional Jazz / Rock / World Music performers as The Jonas Hellborg Trio, Jeff Sipe, Mike Clark Trio, Toubab Krewe, Rajamani and Project Mastana among many others. Robert Troy Cole has also previously shared the stage with Charlie Hunter, and Derek Trucks.
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