Hathor by Matt Lavelle and Tom Cabrera

In the early 90's I met Tom Cabrera and Jack DeSalvo (The original Sumari) at Tower Records. I was in my early 20's and was asking big questions. Tom took me to Barnes and Noble next store and bought me a paperbook copy of Seth Speaks, where author Jane Roberts documents her channeling the spirit Seth. I have never been the same since that moment. I was awakened to my spiritual existence by this book, and discovered my path in life. Many twists and turns later Tom and I crossed paths again here on this duo recording for Woodshedd records.

Graduation Day for me is literally that, as I received a Masters Degree in Jazz History at the time of this recording. The deeper meaning, however, is that the piece speaks to souls who have earned the right to exist. Earth is, after all, a giant school.

Free at Last has a similar feeling. It, of course, originated from Dr. Martin Luther King. This piece speaks to a soul that has worked long enough that they can exist on their own terms, and where their lives reflect their inner reality. This is the moment when you have actually been freed

Hathor is the Egyptian Goddess of Love. I was raised religious but I do not worship. Hathor is the exception. When I found of picture of a giant statue of her from Ancient Egypt I felt true devotion to a higher being. The thing about Hathor is that she loves you just as much in return and you feel every ounce of her love.

Ivani is the birth name of my mother-in-law. The word is also a joyful declaration of triumph over adversity. I heard Ivani saying this word in a poem she wrote about herself. This is her sound and rhythmic identify, where language becomes sound. Ornette said that words are the notes of the human being

The Giraffe comes from a moment when I was on a safari in Zimbabwe with my wife. We encountered a large group of Giraffe's and pulled over. I walked towards them and the tallest one turned and stated starring at me. We maintained eye contact for several minutes. It felt like I was looking into another universe. We really saw each other in that moment.

The Alto Tree is a magical tree that grows Alto Clarinets instead of fruit. There is only one in existence and it is almost impossible to reach.

Banner is our rendition of what the real America is in the age of Corona and the less than adequate response of Federal government under Trump.

Peace ML 3/21/20

Matt Lavelle has played and collaborated with Ornette Coleman, Giuseppi Logan, Hildred Humprhries, William Parker, Eric Mingus, Sabir Mateen, Roy Campbell, Daniel Carter, Jemeel Moondoc, Mat Maneri, Ras Moshe, Potato Valdez, JUlie Lyon and leads the 12 Houses Orchestra and the Matt Lavelle Quartet.