Album Notes

Joseph Bonner - Piano


One of the celebrated sons of the worldwide jazz community and the namesake of The Bonner Party, Joseph Bonner enjoyed musical tenures with several of the greatest jazz artists of all time, including Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Max Roach, Roy Haynes, Billy Harper and Pharaoh Sanders. He has released over a dozen albums as a leader as well as appearing on dozens more as a featured soloist and composer. Joseph was formally educated at Virginia State College, but his more significant learning transpired hanging out with Miles Davis and meeting John Coltrane. Influenced by Art Tatum, McCoy Tyner and Thelonius Monk, maestro Bonner's improvisations employ his deep roots in modern jazz, gospel, blues, R&B and Latin forms. Since returning from Arizona, which returned his health and resolved personal issues, Joseph's playing poises him at the peak of a brilliant career.



Prasanna Bishop - Saxophones, Flute


Joseph's counterpart in the Bonner Party, Prasanna Bishop is grateful for his rich musical life, working not only as a player, but producer and recording engineer as well. His influences include Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Eddie Harris. Prasanna studied saxophone with Vic Morosco, improvisation with Charlie Shoemake, and composition at the Dick Grove School of Music as well as attending California State University at Long Beach and beginning meditation at the Osho Commune. His playing experiences include performing with the likes of Alyrio Lima (Weather Report), Richie Cole, John Bolivar, Billy Mitchell, String Cheese Incident, and Hazel Miller. He has produced and or recorded many top artists in various styles, such as Bill Frisell, String Cheese Incident, Jet, D12, Obie Trice and Marshall Mathers.