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Inner Journeys is the latest group concept from keyboardist-composer Bob Ravenscroft as he continues to anchor the new Ravenswave Recordings., an uncompromising independent that has emerged as a special, state-of-the-art "audiophile jazz" label dedicated to capturing the sound of jazz as intimately as today`s advanced recording techniques will allow.
Ravenscroft`s fortuitous meeting with bassist Dwight Kilian brought together kindred musical spirits. Kilian`s unique combination of artistry and spirituality was a perfect complement to the impressionistic piano of Ravenscroft, and their combined chemistry led to the formation of Inner Journeys in 2005.
Since that time, the duo`s aim has been to go ever deeper, building on intuitive jazz experiences that continually push exploration. Those "inner journeys" have even led to "Jazz in Sacred Spaces" concepts such as their "Music & Meditations" concert format involving the spoken word, drama, poetry and all manner of artistic expression. The duo performs as a trio in concert, with percussionist Rob Moore having joined the group in 2007.
For those who think of Bob Ravenscroft as strictly an acoustic piano purist, Inner Journeys offers something beyond. Buoyed by the endless imagination of Kilian, and complemented by the changing colors from Moore`s drums, Inner Journeys achieves a deeply moving and atmospheric sound that travels into new regions beyond jazz. To create these amazing soundscapes, Ravenscroft coaxes every imaginable mood from his grand piano, but may also turn to his Korg synthesizer and find additional mind-blowing sounds. In some situations, Inner Journeys has been accompanied by a fourth member, video improviser Mario Barnabe, whose projected images inspire further innovation.
According to Ravenscroft, who relocated to the Phoenix area in 2003 to focus on his new Ravenswave "audiophile" recording label, Inner Journeys provides him with a new way to further explore the common ground between contemporary music and deeper matters of the soul. "For me, this is the point where it all comes together," he says. "It`s where music meets soul in the truest sense. We`re anxious to see where it can take us."
Having received widespread airplay with the Bob Ravenscroft Trio, this visionary artist is now looking forward to completion of his first recording with Inner Journeys. Sessions have been stimulating and productive, and the group`s first album can be expected by late 2008.
Click "Play" below to hear a sampler of Inner Journeys' new CD, "Jon Elvrum Poetry Serving the Word with The Inner Journeys Trio."
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If you are a jazz listener looking for another straight-ahead offering, you won`t find it here. However, what you will find is an intriguing interplay by three very gifted and creative jazz musicians. Although the three are united in the traditional acoustic jazz trio arrangement: piano, bass, and drums, they use no preexisting "charts" or tunes to give structure to their improvisations. Rather, they use the concepts of "through-composed" or "free jazz" to express their music. During the recording process, each member would simply begin an idea, and the others would join in, much like in a live conversation among three people ardently expressing their views.
Although the pieces have names, the listener is urged to create his or her own. The music style may be called a "Jazz Movie Score of Life Experiences" -- it is music intended to conjure up various "moods", which will be unique to each listener. In that, the listener is actively a vital organic part of the creative musical experience!
Enjoy the ride, as you won`t be disappointed in the journey. "Intersections" was derived from the analogy of three different vehicles traveling similar paths, perhaps at different velocities, and meeting at various intersections along the way...
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The first of this new 5-disc series of live jazz improvisations captures the trio`s most mature and engaging performances yet - delighting listeners with exciting interplay of velocities and moods, all meticulously recorded to Ravenswave audiophile standards.
Bob recorded on a 9` Ravenscroft piano built by Michael Spreeman in Scottsdale, AZ. Spreeman Piano Innovations, LLC is dedicated to the production of the very finest custom, handcrafted pianos available. The highest quality materials from around the world are imported, hand selected, and expertly assembled. The result is an unusually unique instrument which delivers richness and purity of tone, broad dynamic range, power, and lyric duration. CAD designed, meticulously assembled and regulated actions provide poised response, and a seemingly invisible interface for the pianist`s expression. Detailed information about the Ravenscroft piano is available at www.spreemanpianoinnovations.com.
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"Intersections 1" is Latest Disc from Pianist`s Talented Trio
Slated for August 2007 Release
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- (July 27, 2007) It all comes together, literally, on the compelling new CD from jazz keyboard innovator Bob Ravenscroft. Appropriately called Intersections 1 (Ravenswave Recordings), the new release finds his trio merging magically on six uncompromising originals, finding common ground from which they can then take off in exciting improvisational directions.
As was the case with the group`s other recent albums Three Alone and Fire in the Soul, acoustic jazz lovers will welcome the intense focus of Intersections 1. This is contemporary jazz as it was meant to be played, combining the bold forays of Ravenscroft`s searching piano with the buoyant, propelling bass of Steve Millhouse and the always exploratory percussive edge of drummer Rob Schuh.
The album opens with the 14-minute "Dreams," a veritable stream of jazz consciousness, and never looks back. Compositions have single-word titles like "Strength," "Velocities" and "Reassurances," and their moods range from gorgeously impressionistic to searingly propellant. Every cut is an unpredictable adventure of free expression. The album ends with a very satisfying "Arrival," one of Ravenscroft`s finest originals to date.
And there`s yet another "star" at work on Intersections 1. This is the debut recording of "The Ravenscroft," a special grand piano literally inspired by the musician. It was hand crafted by master technician Michael Spreeman of Scottsdale-based Spreeman Piano Innovations, and some local musicians are calling The Ravenscroft the most incredible sounding piano they`ve ever heard or played. It certainly sparkles at every turn on this new CD.
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The new Peace Within CD by keyboardist Bob Ravenscroft journeys into electronic worlds and new sonic vistas. Best known as leader (on acoustic piano) of the Bob Ravenscroft Trio, recently named Phoenix¹s Best Jazz Group, this new CD features layered textures and explorations you might not expect. Check it out!
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Bob Ravenscroft`s double-disc set, "Three Alone", has been drawing some oohs and ahhs from the jazz media. The beautiful package contains one disc with six great trio forays, plus a second disc that features Bob "alone" on an incredible Fazioli piano. Here are just a few of the comments:
"It may be easy listening, but it`s not superficial. Of special note for audiophiles is the outstandingly lucid and immediate sound..."
-Kalman Rubinson, Stereophile Magazine
"...I suggest you try this. Very rewarding with repeated listenings, like all good music, and there will be many."
- Kenneth Egbert, JazzNow.com
"wow, what a huge project. Sounds like several selections will work for our new radio show..."
-Rich Germaine, Jazz Radio Network
"There`s some wonderful playing on the set. We`ll be giving it some good play..."
-Jon Kauffmann-Kennel, WEMC Radio, Harrisonburg, VA
"I regard the Alone CD as a significant achievement in the tradition of great piano artistry. My sincerest congratulations!"
-Vince Maggio, Professor Emeritus of Jazz Piano, University of Miami, FL
"I thoroughly enjoyed the trio disc"
- Lenny Mazel, KCME-FM Radio, Colorado Springs, CO
The album is an SACD hybrid Super Audio Compact Disc which can be enjoyed (to the max!) on three levels of playback formats: SACD Multi-channel Surround, SACD Stereo, and 16-bit CD Audio (which includes your standard CD players, PCs and portables).
You may purchase Three Alone and other Ravenswave recordings in our online store. Or, sample Three Alone before you decide how many to order!
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