This first release from IMANI Records, is now available at CDBABY! "SEED is a cooperative quartet featuring emerging jazz talent Orrin Evans at piano, bassist Mike Boone, drummer Rodney Green and vocalist DAWN. They are also joined in cameo by guest saxophonists Gary Bartz, Branford Marsalis, Ralph Bowen and Jaleel Shaw, and trumpeter Duane Eubanks. The music they investigate is a program of fresh originals from the promising pen of pianist Evans, who leads this ensemble in more ways than one." - Willard Jenkins, Africana.com "SEED is the brainchild of pianist Orrin Evans and his wife DAWN. With its connotations of organic unity and germinal beginnings, SEED is an apt name for this band, and a viable framework for some of the most representative music of Orrin Evans's career to date. As a musical partnership between Evans and DAWN, moreover, it bodes well for the future. -David Adler, Allmusicguide.com "SEED" Liner Notes, by Mike Boone I once told a writer that jazz was the closest thing I have to religion. Having said that, I feel that this CD brings together some of the true ministers of jazz, young and older. Upon first glance, this may seem like another all-star session, with its collection of "marquee" players. However, this is not the case. Each musician wanted to be part of this and there was a genuine feeling of camaraderie in the room. The climate, the soil, and the people were correct and made it conduscive for the musical seed to grow. Which brings us to the group SEED. The group SEED consists of Orrin Evans on piano, DAWN on vocals, Rodney Green on drums and myself, Mike Boone, on bass. DAWN is from Pittsburgh and has lived in Europe. I am from East Harlem, NY, and have lived in Philadelphia for the past 18 years. Orrin is originally from Trenton, NJ, and resides in Philadelphia. Rodney grew up in Pennsauken, NJ, and now resides in Brooklyn, NY. Now we four have come together on our own to plant a special seed in the "garden" of music. While Orrin wrote the compositions, each musician brings his/her experiences to the table to create a sound that embraces freedom and individualism. After all, isn't that what democracy and Jazz should be about? SEED knows that jazz is something that has been inside of us. We also know that jazz is about more than altered chords, odd time signatures, an air of pretentiousness, and musical hybrids that dilute the true essence of the art form. The guest artists on this record, all creative and experienced individuals in their own right, share a commitment to the concept that SEED is developing. The result is music that is undeniably on the cutting edge, while maintaining a serious groove. This session confirms my belief that jazz is indeed a spiritual art form. Jazz is music of the earth, and rooted in truth!