RAHMAT SHABAZZ TRIO PLUS 1. “A Flower for Flo” (Charles Woods/Rahmat Shabazz): Charles Rahmat Woods – flute, David Ornette Cherry-midi, keyboard, Derek Gasque- keyboard, Roger Stewart-drums 2. “Monk’s Dream” (Thelonius Monk): Charles Rahmat Woods – alto sax, David Ornette Cherry-melodica, Derek Gasque- keyboard, Roger Stewart-drums Flute/saxophonist/bandleader Charles Rahmat Woods had recently written the very mello “A Flower for Flo” and was waiting for the right opportunity to record it. In Rahmat’s own words “Multi-instrumentalist David Ornette Cherry was in DC on family business, and called me about a performance date with his ensemble at the now defunct Bohemian Caverns in Washington DC. I did not hesitate to ask him to join my concept recording project and when he agreed I immediately started hooking things up. I called drummer Roger Stewart (USMC retired) who also engineers and manages the very impressive Paradigm Studios in Baltimore Maryland. Memphis keyboardist Derek Gasque has worked with me for years, and although he was in the midst of relocating to Ithaca NY, he was able to fit right into the team” Rahmat’s project design was to arrange Trio Plus around an ensemble format that might not be very well known, but was used by the likes of the great Lester Young, pianist Cecil Taylor, and saxophonist Billy Pierce (His hard to find album “Equilateral” features Hank Jones and Roy Haynes). It entails use of sax, piano, and drums. This presents a very open format that challenges the rhythmic imagination of the players, yet allows the basic elements of the music to support melodic interpretations and improvisations. “We had a ball recording all of the material…of which these two selections are released. David Ornette Cherry is a genius and has an extensive catalog of original recordings. He, like his father, the late trumpeter/composer Don Cherry, embraces the performance possibilities of a number of underutilized instruments….such as the melodica.” The solos on the rousing swing arrangement of “Monks Dream” embody the poignant and humoresque essence of Thelonius Monk himself. On “A Flower for Flo” the ensembles subtle underpinnings support the beautiful flute work of Charles Rahmat Woods. In Roger Stewart’s busy and energetic drum work you can hear his Queens NY heritage. As a youngster, Derek Gasque met the Memphis piano giant Phineas Newborn, and he credits that inspiration with guiding his approach toward the instrument. Leader and reed man Charles Rahmat Woods, originally from Buffalo NY and a longtime resident of the Washington DC metropolitan area, draws from a wealth of experience including creative music with Roy Haynes, Don Cherry, Conjunto Peligro, and Tarika Blue. Rahmat Shabazz Trio Plus. Enjoy these wonderful selections….they were recorded especially for you! - Susie S.