The music is about communication, it tells stories and makes bold statements, it's political and sentimental. Revolutionary. It's thought provoking. It's fun. And contrary to what some believe, it's not letting itself become institutionalized. Due to it's restless nature, and the persistence of those who understand its importance, this music we call "jazz" continues to evolve and surprise even the most skeptical listeners.

Something that I've always valued about music is it's ability to reach out to the listener on so many different levels. I can listen to my favorite records over and over again, and always find something new to appreciate in them. Beyond the simple pleasures (which are never to be taken for granted), these recordings offer volumes of priceless information - examples of ingenuity, creativity, leadership, lessons in simplicity, reflections on the human condition, proof of the value of an individual's contribution to a larger community, possibly some sonic codes regarding divine intervention, not to mention a lifetime of technical studies. Some artists seem to be more aware of these aspects of the creative experience, and they are the ones who inspire me to learn all that I can about this type of communication.

Over the past several years, I have been lucky enough to meet and collaborate with many talented musicians in a variety of contexts. As well as getting the chance to experience a number of different artistic forms first hand, I have developed some valuable relationships that have been instrumental in the shaping of my own musical vocabulary. Some of these people have become like mentors, and some are peers for whom I have the deepest respect, both as musicians and as decent human beings. All of the people on this recording fall into these categories.

With this record I have tried to create a space for these musicians to interact and generate some of the communal energy that I find crucial to the music making process. Thanks to their exceptional talents and hard work, I feel like this was accomplished. I hope that in listening to this record you will agree.

Kate, Jenni, Nigel, Kevin, Ruth, Sam, Rebekka, Kayla, Wini, Jessi, Tony, Doris, Ariel, Chien, Eli, Suzy, Cheyenne, Julie, Bobbie, Bob, Eden, Nikki, Sean, Larry, Audrey, Lynn

The San Francisco Mime Troupe, Midnight Voices, Anibade, Metafour, Poisonous Prophets, The Brotherhood Of The Diaspora, African Roots Of Jazz, D'Armous Boone Collective, Substance Theory, Steve Coleman

D'Armous Boone, Derek Jones, Mike Silverman, Elliot Kavee, Jeff Bilmes, Bob Cole, Karen Dere, Ledisi, Bo Freeman, Simone White, Arthur Hills, Randy Vincent, Mel Graves, Greg Halden, Jason Sherbundy, Adam Theis, Carrie Stone, Monika Whittmann, Health Haberlin, Gary Brawer, Sanford and Mitchel Schwarzbach, Chris Channey, Adam LeBlanc, Robert Berensen, Greg Tate, Bruce Barthol, Tom Pereira, Ali Monroe, Real Guitars, Alaine Grissette, Kevin Manning, Alex Razon, Ivan Siebel, Sam Prestiani, Katlin Odum, Avotcja, Debora Banks, And all others who have contributed to my consciousness for better or for worse and especially my Grandmother Jeannette Dean whom without none of this would be possible.