Muhammad, Dawan
Radio Free Soul
While serving as an artist in residence at University of California, Santa Cruz from 1975 - 78, I had several opportunities to record some original compositions for extended ensembles of varied instrumentation. With support from students, professionals and a community of serious music lovers, "Radio Free Soul" was written in tribute to America's high tide of revolutionary spirit during the 1960's and in question of it's decline or lull during the 1970's. The idea was to present a variety of jazz styles, incorporating voice, African rhythms, modern harmony and chamber or string orchestra. The live performances of this highly improvisational body of work received rave reviews at that time, and now, over twenty-five years later, music collectors are recapturing the experience through this CD. What's important to me is that it was a collective effort, we were able to document it and we all had Fun!