“The Beauty As Beauty trilogy was conceived in response to pianist Lam Sobo John Medeski’s expressed need to get deeper into the Spirit of Heart-Fire Sound as I have revealed, taught and demonstrated it. This was also an opportunity to standardize some of my early melodical hauntings. Beauty As Beauty was originally recorded as a duet project, the first of a trilogy representing three dimensions of expression: Beauty As Beauty-composition; Beauty As Ugly-creativity; and Ugly As Ugliest-transcension. The sweet melodies of the Beauty As Beauty stage of the trilogy represent my discipline and early life love of structure, and exemplify the utter simplicity, openness and directness from which I approach the Heart-Fire Sound music which expresses it.

“I want to lovingly commend Lam Sobo John Medeski for the Heart he brought to this project. His exceptional musical mastery and disciplined cooperation served to complete the duet phase in a matter of hours. Love and blessings to leader Lam Sobo John Medeski and his people.

“The native space and grace of Airto Moreira was included on this date in the subtlest way possible. His presence on this date is ethereal and his voice is profound. Love and blessings to leader Airto and his people.

“After recognizing the completeness of the duet plus super-subtle whisperings of Airto, I decided to expand the concept and add bass and drums. Ra Kalam Bob Moses was heartfully picked for the creative challenge to provide his most delicate and subtle playing to date. The beauty side of Ra Kalam was brought forth to his and everyone’s delight. Hearing his ‘angelic’ side is a surprise for those who know his more gladiatorial side. This is not just Bob Moses playing; this is Ra Kalam, the Sun of Sound, playing with glorious restraint. Love and blessings to leader Ra Kalam and his people.

“To complete the concept of Beauty As Beauty, David Finck was recommended to me by Ra Kalam. David, whose love of music and beauty is unique to him, graced this date with excellent, unforgettable impressions of his virtuosity, creativity and respect for beauty. Love and blessings to leader David Finck and his people.” —Tisziji Muñoz