Album Notes

What do you get when you mix a self-taught bass player, a world traveler, a computer engineer and an optical physicist with a surname of Dr. ? You get Abstract.

Meaning conceived apart from any concrete realities, specific object or actual instance.

Such can be said for the jazz ensemble Abstract, rightfully named as its four group members serenade listeners with melodious tunes in energetic fashion.

A collective love of music unites these talented musicians, in light of their varied personal biographies and professional roles. Among them exist the likes of a NASA computer whiz and a physicist, but the musical harmony of Walter Robinson, Tommy Thompson, Tyrone Douglas and Larue Larry offer their audience the opportunity to enter into a different realm.

Since 1997, Abstract has been dazzling crowds with its own original works and fresh renditions of favorite Rhythm and Blues classics. Inspired by such artists as James Brown, Larry Graham, David Sanborn and Al Green, the group has evolved into a classic style all their own, having opened for renowned recording artists Patti LaBelle, Jonathan Butler and others. This classic style propels listeners into a delightful world of funk and rhythm, which is clearly worth every moment.

Tommy Thompson's capacity as guitarist for the band is not impaired by his daily professional responsibilities and educational goals. Thompson is a NASA optical physicist at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and has completed his Ph.D. in physics from Alabama A&M University. His formal guitar training began at twelve years of age, and he has been fine-tuning his skills since.

Walter Robinson was introduced to music early in his life by family members and was voted "most likely to succeed in music" by his high school instructor. The saxophone extraordinaire serves as a senior computer engineer at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. A graduate of Tuskegee University, Robinson's lifelong dream of musical success is coming to fruition with the growing prominence of Abstract.

Tyrone Douglas possesses a natural talent for bass guitar, emitting electrifying sounds since his adolescent days. The Huntsville native acknowledges his father's extensive music collection as his primary exposure to jazz. He relies on his intuition and natural talent to ignite audiences. Also catch him performing bass, elctric guitar, keyboards, and drum programming on his Solo CD entitled "new age soul" available at http://cdbaby.com/cd/tyronedouglas

Larue Larry benefits from his exposure to diverse cultures around the world, gaining insight to establish himself in both the musical industry and the corporate world. He has gained recognition in numerous areas, and excelled athletically, musically and professionally. Abstract offers yet another opportunity for Larue to be acknowledged for his ability and contributions.

Abstract's debut album "In-House" is currently available at www.cdbaby.com. From the playful, blues-inspired "Rats In My Bedroom" to their soulful version of "Reasons" to the intricate timing of their original composition "Zestay", Abstract provides an incredible listening experience of originality with a familiar air.