JAAFAR- “Middle Eastern Jazz Arabic Funk Fusion”, and its all here within these 19 tracks recorded over a two year span in America and Egypt. With bass, oud, keys, drums, darbuka, tabla, flute, saxaphone, and guitar, JAAFAR expertly fuses traditional Arabic melodies, classical Indian concepts of composition, North African rhythmic grooves and pure American Jazz along side "old-school Funk" to produce the completely unique sounds of JAAFAR. They have incorporated the Middle Eastern techniques of melodic improvisation with the Jazz styles of John Coltrane, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jonas Hellborg, Shakti and others. The groups percussionist have global influences that travel rhythmically from West Africa to Turkey, and Egypt through India & the West.
Jaafar has been Awarded the "2005 Indy Music Award" by the Independent Weekly for "Best International Group" in the Triangle, NC. (www.indyweek.com).
There is a spiritual & meditative, Middle Eastern philosophy in the music of Jaafar. The bands "Acoustic Form" represents these sensibilities, while Jaafar's "Electric Form" exhibits a raw power & beauty that is at times energetic, explosive & yet sensitive & subtle. Jaafar demonstrates a musical willingness to push themselves and their audience to unforeseen destinations. They expertly fuse traditional Arabic melodies, classical Indian concepts of composition, North African rhythmic grooves, and pure American Jazz & "old-school Funk" to produce the unique soundscape that is Jaafar.
Jaafar has been invited for 2 consecutive years(2003, 2004) to perform at The Conga Square Jazz Festival in Calcutta, India. Jaafar has 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.
In the Spring of 2006, legendary Jazz/Rock/Jam drummer Jeff Sipe joined Jaafar for a series of performances and recording projects. It was an honor to be able to feature Jeff's deep talents. Jeff has previously played with Phil Lesh & Friends, ARU, Jonas Hellborg, Alex Mahachek, Matt Garrison, Susan Tedeschi Band, Jazz is Dead, Trey Annistio, & Leftover Salmon to name a few.
Bandleader & bassist Robert Troy Cole embarked on a musical & spiritual journey through Eygpt in 2000. While emersed in the local culture, 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.
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