"Exciting mix of modern jazz and classic soul bop from the sixties. For the last year, Maxey has been putting out one intriguing recording after the other. And fun, let's not forget to mention that this is very fun music. Thrilling upbeat music to get your day started right. Jazz from NYC." --- Dave Sumner, AllAboutJazz.com
The Language of Sound and Spirit is the third album in a series of six records in 12 months. The music is a four part suite. The work is profoundly influenced by the classic Coltrane Quartet and the acoustic guitar work of Jimmy Page.
The suite brings together compositional elements first introduced in Incarnate and Approach. Tibetan singing bowls and acoustic guitar in altered tuning were used to write each piece of the suite.
The story of the album is the personnel. Rodney is a long time friend and mentor. He produced the date, and with a masterful touch helped to create an atmosphere that the music thrived in. He introduced me to Chase and Jeremy for the session. The energy and suggestions they brought to each part of the suite were expert. Brian and I recorded Approach and an unreleased album (to be number five in the series) in the months previous. In my opinion, Brian's playing is genius.
Mike and I have played many duo gigs together. We developed the music that started this series of albums. David and I have played together since 2003. Our blues guitar duo album will be the next in this series. David is a master painter and will take part in designing the box set for the series.
Dave (Parnell) and I produced Incarnate and Approach. His help and insights have been invaluable. He sings the word HU on Part IV. HU is a word I've used over the years in contemplation, similar to how people use OM. I've found it helpful and wanted to include it on this album. Andy is a long time collaborator. He mixed and mastered Approach as well as The Language of Sound and Spirit. Andy adds an attention to audio detail that makes the production of the music match the musicianship in the studio.
Jessica is the brightest light in my world and when I wrote part IV, I new I wanted to have her play NA Flute on the piece. It's a warm and beautiful detail on Part IV and Rehearsal.
We took a pizza break part way through the session and the guys were already commenting that the recording seemed like something special. It was the right music for the right group of people, at the right time.
Josh Maxey, guitar
Brian Charette, organ
Chase Baird, Saxophones
Jeremy Noller, drums
Michael Cioffero, Acoustic guitar, Part II and Part IV, and singing bowls
David Nicholson, Acoustic guitar, Part I and Rehearsal and singing bowls
Jessica Martinez Maxey, NA Flute, Part IV and Rehearsal
David Parnell, Vocal, Part IV
Produced by Rodney Jones
Recorded at SeaSide Lounge Recording Studios, Brooklyn, NY on December
11th, 2011.
Engineered by Danielle Depalma
Mixed by David Parnell and Andy Gabrys
Mastered by Andy Gabrys
Photography by Jessica Martinez Maxey
Artwork by Carl Gambrell
All compositions by Josh Maxey © 2012
ASCAP, MeaningLovePurpose
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