Bobby Callender - The Way (First Book of Experiences) 1971

During the late 60's, Bobby Callender was one of the most mythical figures in popular music. Conceptually his musical universe delivers all the originality of an artistic freedom, really awakened of alternative lifestyle, cross cultures and psychedelic "civilization". Callender is an afro American who turned to mystic and reaches himself into Indian raga, philosophies from the East. The two albums he recorded under his name ("Rainbow" in 1968, "The Way" in 1971) are currently seen as the two logical sides of a grandiloquent project including numerous musicians from the jazz and raga scenes. Among the featured musicians we can quote the famous "India raga style" guitarist Collin Walcott. Bobby Callender composes almost all titles and make some recitations. "Rainbow" released in 1968 is a fantastic effort, really amazing, played freely with numerous dialogues between sitar and tabla, with subtle adds of violin, piano and bass (electric). The main elements of composition are the rhythm, very structured, complex and the improvisational jazz / "raga" which introduces us in a spiritual and floating psychedelic atmosphere. The two albums are really conceptual, developing short, esoteric tales mostly served by basic themes of eastern instrumentations and odd, spoken words. Bobby Callender's musical signature is a perfect illustration of free form "ethnic" jazz improvisations in adequacy with the growing effervescence of the 60's "acid", psychedelic philosophies.

Line-up / Musicians

Bobby Callender/vocals
Collin Walcott/percussion,tabla,sitar,dulcimer
Glen Moore/bass,clarinet,viola, piano
Paul McCandless/clarinet,oboe,horn,saxophone,synthesizer
Ralph Towner/flugelhorn,guitar,piano,percussion,organ
Trilok Gurtu/percussion,tabla

Discography(Album) 

The Way (First Book of Experiences) 1971

1.Drone - Going Back-1st and 2nd Movement
2.Awaken John-Lord Am I Dreamnng 
3.Bhodi Tree 
4.Satori 
5.Story of Rasha and Dhara 
6.Chant: Kasha and Dhara and Love, Love, Love
7.Shringara
8.3rd Movement-Satyagraha
9.Transmigration-Travel With Me
10.Karma Yogi
11.4th Movement-Ooda Rata Travel With Me 
12.Story of the Shepherd 
13.Let Thy Will Be Done 
14.Hari Om and Deva Chant Interlude 
15.Santa Grace 
16.Going Back Instrumental/Ooda Chant and Ending


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