From the great city of Omaha Nebraska, Dana Murray is a drummer, producer, and a new kind of educator. He grew up watching the greats play in North Omaha, and he knew he'd better get his chops if he wanted to be in that company. And yet instead of a drummer's record, Dana brings us Negro Manifesto, an album of music with a purpose that evokes thoughts of many, from Gil-Scott Heron to Hip-Hop activists The Goats, from Coltrane to Philip Glass. Negro Manifesto is a reflection on our world from a man who is comfortable in all scenarios, and it is intended to bring dialogue around the subject of social justice. Dana will be touring - playing music and holding panel discussions on race, gender, and community throughout 2018. Stay tuned for previews of the album, recorded commentary from Dana, and a continued discussion to help us learn and heal.
New Music | Richard X Bennett
After two acclaimed releases in 2017, Experiments With Truth and What Is Now?, the ever creative Richard X Bennett returns this spring with a solemn reflection on life, death and the transformation of suffering into beauty. Away From The Many finds Bennett in a solo space, gently playing for an audience of one. This is a record for those times you find yourself alone, though it is also perfect for setting a quiet tone among friends in our all too frenetic world. Away From The Many includes two remixes from a piano player from another layer: Aaron Dolton joins Mr. Bennett in expression that more than matches the mood. The album is cued up for release on April 20 with Preorder on March 23.
New Music | Chuck Lichtenberger
Remember that name (Use the trick - Lick Ten Burgers), and you're able to discuss genius while cradling your choice of adult mind-calming substance. Every now and then an artist comes along that leaves you scrambling for comparisons - from Weird Al to TMBG, Les Claypool to Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Beck to Randy Newman. Chuck Lichtenberger is able to get outside of the usual frame of reference, and beckons for us to do the same. We're lovers of art that stretches our thinking, and Chuck delivers - all the while with sublime performance on piano, a dedicated and skilled band, and the vision of Jonathan Scales in the producer chair. Ladies, Gentlemen, Visitors, molecular fusion vehicles - we bring you 'This Is What Happens When...' , set for release on Friday, April 13th. A beautiful dedication to life on a spinning ball lost in a mass of stars and whatnot. Take your time, enjoy the ride.
New Music | Ghost-Note
We are eternally grateful for the creative energy that Robert Sput Searight puts into the world, and we are honored by his presence here at Ropeadope and with his label RSVP Records. yet it is his collaborative work with Percussionist Nate Werth that intrigues us beyond all. Ghost-Note is their project together, and it begins with two drummers finding a rhythm on stage and in life. Unique in history, Ghost-Note builds from this core with no specific destination, and expands outward - adding melody and accents as it adds serious players who bring new flavor to the band. It is a fascinating process, and it is moving forward with accelerating power. What does that mean? It means that the next Ghost-Note record is a powerhouse of musical exploration that eclipses their debut, with a core band of Anthony ‘AJ’ Brown, Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II (Sly 5th Ave), Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas Jr, Jonathan Mones, Michael Jelani Brooks, and Xavier Taplin - and a dizzying array of guests including Kamasi Washington, Karl Denson, Raja Kassis, Prudence the Auset Sneed, Brandon ‘Taz’ Neiderauer, Nigel Hall, Bob Lanzetti, Alvin Ford Jr, Jay Jennings, Nick Werth, Bobby Ray Sparks, Phil Lassiter, and Michael Palmer. There's plenty more to say, but we'll just let that sink in for a moment. Drop in here for the title track.