“BASS-SCAPES”
JAAFAR is Troy Cole, using a 6 string bass, an electric upright bass, and a 4 string acoustic bass, exploring soundscaped themes stemming from Arabic and Indian music and mythology, which he calls “BASS-SCAPES”. This MEDITATION ON BASS presents the music of JAAFAR as a new and insightful journey, a deep meditative spiritual act where music and the spirit walk hand in hand.
“Bass-scapes” is an atmospheric / ambient / soundscaping with a heavy lean on eastern themes (Arabic & Indian). If you are familiar with Robert Fripp and the type of soundscapes / Frippertronics he creates, this is close to what JAAFAR tries to achieve. It is an incorporation of styles inspired by other groundbreaking artists such as Jonas Hellborg, John Mclaughlin / Shakti, Robert Fripp, and ideas stemming from Arabic and Indian music and mythology, and the writings and philosophy of Joseph Campbell.
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, but when performing solo, JAAFAR is Troy Cole, using a 6 string bass, and a 4 string acoustic bass, and electric upright bass with the use of a loop machine and the courage to explore the “outer reaches of inner space”.
The soundscapes are also accompanied with acoustic solo bass pieces.
Troy Cole has performed as JAAFAR at many festivals over the years since its creation in 2002, and performs in Cairo Egypt on a regular basis.
(more on the JAAFAR ensemble)
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.
www.jaafarmusic.com
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.
In 2005 JAAFAR was voted "BEST INTERNATIONAL GROUP" by the readers of the Independent Weekly (www.indyweek.com)
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