TRANSVISION

RAY BLUE - Saxophonist, Composer, Arranger and Producer

The rhythm section are players who hear my voice: my big, warm melodic sound and style. There is a connection with each of the musicians and the songs are written and arranged with each of them in mind. Over the years, rooted in New York, I have worked in jazz and r&b bands, ensembles and in big bands: Sun Ra Arkestra, Cotton Club Orchestra, and currently the Spirit of Life Ensemble. Recording/performing with Art Davis, John Patton, Wayne Dockery, Clifford Adams, Charles Davis, and Wycliff Gordon has helped me to develop a strong sense of blending within a unit, to allow space for the music to breathe and to play with heart.

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DAOUD DAVID WILLIAMS - Multi-percussionist, Co-Producer

Daoud has a special talent for placing the proper colors in just the right places at precisely the right time in the music. The founder and leader of The Spirit of Life Ensemble has long standing relationships and associations with Carter Jefferson, Ted Curson, Charles Tyler, Benny Powell, Bob Cranshaw, Eddie Henderson, Mina Agossi, Joe Lee Wilson and many others. A multi-percussionist, Daoud uses his experienced and musically artistic wand to highlight the rhythms, colors and elegant textures of sound throughout the tracks of "MY Friend And I Took A Walk", "Softly As In The Morning Sunrise" and "Transmission". 

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MICHAEL COCHRANE - Piano

Michael Cochrane embraces the music and gracefully places his signature on each of the tracks. A master musician, composer and arranger, Michael displays all of these talents in his approach to the music. He support the music as eloquently as he delivered his solo. His previous work with Marvin Hannibal Peterson, Eddie Gomez, Sonny Fortune and others reflect his diverse sensitivity and clear cut know-how. Michael is a creative genius and his presence solidifies the chemistry of this band. 

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CALVIN HILL - Bass

Calvin Hill instinctively and skillfully anchors the rhythm section. Calvin's brilliant manner of blending his masterful musicianship , personality and instinctive flow gives the band its foundation and momentum. As he was for McCoy Tyner, Junior Mance, Pharaoh Sanders, Betty Carter and the Max Roach Quartet, Calvin Hill's bass work is the primal center of this music. It is a blessing to work with Mr. Hill. 

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BRUCE COX - Drums

Bruce Cox brought his unique style to this project. A master musician-drummer and percussionist, Bruce puts energy into the music that lights a flame of passion to all of the tempos and feels. He hears time, rhythm, melody and harmony and he executes his role in the band with dynamic sensitivity. Having toured and performed with George Adams, Stanley Turrentine, Woody Shaw and Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bruce has refined his technique and comfortably places his personality inside this music. 

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WILLIE WILLIAMS - Conga-Percussionist

Willie Williams is an extra ordinarily talented multi-percussionist. Teaming with Daoud David Williams, Willie provides the needed boost of polyrhythmic support and texture. He has extensive African drumming experience and enjoyed a long and successful tenure with the Spirit of Life Ensemble. The skills and styles that he brings provides just what is needed to fit and elevate the music. 

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JOAN MINOR - Spoken Word

Joan Minor is a talented vocalist. The sound of her voice, as you hear, is warm, clear and deeply touching. She delivers her message with convincing sensitivity. This, coupled with the sincerity in heart is why Joan is the member of this project. She adds her love to "My Friend And I Took A Walk". 

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Ray Blue

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