(Editor’s note: My friend, Nashville drummer Clifford Koufman, is currently making this film and is raising funds via Indie GoGo. In 1976 Bob Moses was the drummer on Pat Metheny’s first album, ‘Bright Size Life’ which also featured Jaco Pastorius on bass. All drummers need to hear this recording of one of the greatest drummers in the world. Bob influenced me so much. I listen to this album every week. -George Lawrence)
This is a film about groundbreaking drummer, composer, and artistic innovator, Ra Kalam Bob Moses. He has received a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis and we want to help him tell the story of his incredible musical journey while we still have him with us.
Ra Kalam Bob Moses is among the great musicians of our time. He has played on historic records, including Pat Metheny’s Bright Size Life, and performed or recorded with musical luminaries like Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Gary Burton, Jack DeJohnette, Carla and Paul Bley, Steve Swallow, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, John Scofield, Steve Kuhn, Pharoah Sanders, Todd Rundgren, John Medeski, Bobby McFerrin, and Tisziji Muñoz. Moses was raised in the company of groundbreaking drummers—as a kid, he lived in a building with Art Blakey, Max Roach, and Elvin Jones—and was jamming with Charles Mingus by the time he was 13.
Not content to limit himself to the realm of jazz music, Ra Kalam created his own style and philosophy of "living music," transcending from music maker to innovator. He has dedicated much of his life to sharing this philosophy with students and fellow musicians, with a mission to help great musicians of different genres find freedom in their expression.
This film will include footage of Moses on stage, in the studio, and in personal interviews, as well as interviews with some of the people who have known him best throughout his lifetime.
Filming will take place in multiple locations: in New Orleans Sep 25-Oct 1, 2023; in New York, where we will visit people and places that impacted his early life and career; and in Virginia, where we will meet with his guru and long-time collaborator, Tisziji, for a deeper look inside. The film will culminate with a performance, masterclass, and recording session in New Orleans this September, creating multiple touchpoints to educate and inspire audiences.
Moses will be joined in New Orleans by other world-class musicians and legends in their own right, including revered NOLA drummer Johnny Vidacovich (Professor Longhair, Bobby McFerrin, Stanton Moore, Charlie Hunter, Robert Walter, Mose Allison), percussionist Bill Summers (Sting, Herbie Hancock & the Headhunters, Quincy Jones, Sonny Rollins, Salif Keita, Kenny Loggins, Stevie Wonder, Taj Mahal), and saxophonist Tony Dagradi (Ellis Marsalis, Allen Toussaint, Professor Longhair, James Booker, The Meters, Dr. John). There will also be special appearances by saxophonists Michael Adkins (Paul Motian, Dave Holland), Art Edmaiston (the Allman Brothers, Dr. John, Levon Helm, Justin Timberlake), Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones), bassisty Aaron Gonzales, and trumpeter George Sams, as well as other guests.
Our goal is to document the life and legacy of a cultural treasure while we still have him with us—to share his story in his own words—and help him take his rightful place among his peers as a household name in music history. Ra Kalam has Stage 4 cancer and it is urgent that we document this now.
Who Is Making the Film
This project is being spearheaded by Nashville drummer, percussionist, visual artist, and educator Clifford Koufman. He has develped a close relationship with Ra Kalam as a student, mentee, and friend over more than 15 years. Clifford has interviewed over 100 artists and creative influencers in his series ClifChats, including New Orleans pillars Herlin Riley & Johnny Vidacovich, Oliver Charles & Leon Mobley (Ben Harper’s drummers), Ben Sesar (Brad Paisley), Ari Hoenig, Viktor Krauss (Robert Plant & Lyle Lovett), Walfredo Reyes Sr., Walfredo Reyes Jr., Danny De Los Reyes & Chris Fryar (Zac Brown Band), Danny Barnes, Jonathan Scales, Taku Hirano (Fleetwood Mac & Whitney Houston), Jeff Sipe (Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit), Danny Gottlieb, Arthur Hull, Kenny Werner (Effortless Mastery), Evelyn Glennie, Weedie Bramah, and Eric Struthers (guitarist for the Neville Brothers).