DON MOORS: Back To The Islands

Don Moors

Back To The Islands

© 2003 Don Moors

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Rhythmically exciting Afro-Brazilian/Caribbean funk (and some love songs, too) performed by America's premier vibraphonist with mega-drummer Rich DeFazio.

tracks

1 As
2 Blue Kiss
3 Brazasia
4 Change Up
5 Back To The Islands
6 Masquerade
7 Mind Being A Model
8 Weakness
9 Lay Me Down
10 A Mere Thought
11 Manfred S.
12 Inner Visions
13 Sara
14 Samba (reprise)

notes

"Along with me and Bobby Hutcherson, Don Moors is one of the three best vibists of our generation."
Roy Ayers

Mallet percussionist DON MOORS began his career as a drummer in the Boston area.In 1961 he moved to New York as a vibraphonist and came under the influence of Randy Weston, the renowned pianist and composer.
This tenure with Weston completely altered his musical direction from Jackson/Tjader type stylist to an angular, percussion oriented player with an emphasis on rhythmically thick African, West Indian and Brazilian material.
In the mid 60's he returned to Boston to complete his education at the Berklee College of Music.

During this period the first jazz quintet was formed with saxophonist Charles Owens. This group, and its later incarnation with Junior Cook replacing Owens, toured extensively in the Northeast and Canada. Don moved to California in 1970, settling in the Bay Area. Subsequently he formed the group JUMP STREET in San Francisco.

This band became a local phenomenon during its nearly three year residency on Union Street by being on the cutting edge of the then new fusion movement. It was during this period as music director, arranger and leader that Don began serious work as a composer. In the mid 70's he moved to Los Angeles where he toured with Marvin Gaye, Trini Lopez and Roberta Flack as a mallet percussionist. While residing in L.A. he also recorded extensively for Motown, A&M., Elektra-Asylum and Columbia as a freelance studio player.

In 1984, in conjunction with a music education program he began in Southern California schools, he returned his base of operations to Northern California and has been focusing on the composition of original material. His recent recordings, THE CHOCOLATE FOX, LIVE IN SACRAMENTO, WITH MALLETS AFORETHOUGHT and BACK TO THE ISLANDS showcase this new material. He currently lives with his wife, Pamela and their son, Patrick in Sacramento, CA.
Don Moors has recorded or toured with the following artists:

Randy Weston, Junior Cook, Marvin Gaye, The Manhattans, James Gadson, Roberta Flack, Joachim Young, Obie Jessie, Herbie Mann, Charles Owens, Jean Terrell, Harvey Mason, Anthony Jackson, Taj Mahal, Linda LaFlamme, John Abercrombie, Ernie Watts, Melvin Webb, Jeffrey Osborne, Freddie Hubbard, Sly Stone, Victor Assis Brasil, Benny Powell, Richie Cole, Trini Lopez, John Handy, L.T.D., Kent Brinkley, Craig Herndon, Eddie Moore, Calvin Keys,
and many more...

reviews

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  • Tantalizing and captivating! There's something for everyone. Check it out!
    author: Vee McKnight

    You know how you hear a tune and just can’t get it out of your head? Well that’s what happens with “Blue Kiss” and the title track “Back to the Islands” on this tantalizing CD from Don Moors. What a great variety of rhythms! There’s something here for everyone and every sentiment—dance to sambas, sway to ballads, enjoy jazz at its best, get captivated by haunting melodies. This is refreshing and different. Do yourself a favor,check it out now!

  • Excellent!
    author: Craig Cook

    This is a great CD! I don't pretend to know all the buzz words and vernacular of today's music scene... I just know that this blend of vibes and percussion is wonderful. Give it a listen; you won't be disappointed.

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