Ethiopia Suite
Stafford James (arco bass
& compositions)
Buster Williams (pizz. bass)
M. Yajima; S. Shumway (violins)
J. Hansen (viola d'amore)
L. Rath (cello)
Victor Lewis (drums)
G. Franco (percussion)
Recorded in NYC (1986)

Ethiopia Suite 4712Kb 

Rejuvenation
Stafford James (arco bass
& compositions)
Buster Williams (pizz. bass)
R. Burrage (drums)
Miguel "Anga" Diaz (percussion)
Recorded in Amsterdam for NPS (1997)

This section is entitled "Gem Box" because it contains compositions that I feel are those that have truly helped me to solidify the concept of the contrabass as a lead melodic voice of an ensemble. They also show the functional characteristics of the instrument from the melodic, rhythmic and harmonic aspect of its role in an ensemble.

The fourth selection is entitled "Ethiopia Suite ". This was initially written for the famine victims of Ethiopia and was intended to have 10 dancers perform the music. It is my way to try to paint the picture from the perspective of the earth, which is wgy the Contgrabass has the lead melodic function as well as the supportive function in the piece. This shows the "strata" of the Contrabass.

My last of the GEMS is entitled "Rejuvenation" and I think that it will speak for itself.

I feel very strongly that an artist has a responsibility to continually seek a better understanding of himself through what he does in his life. He cannot sit back to rest on laurels. He must continue to seek the higher part of himself, even when obstacles seem to make it be an idealistic quest.

Above all else and despite the odds, there must be a vision and a will.