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Wheel of Dharma
Joe Elefante
Label: Self Produced
Released: 2024
Duration: 00:36:52
Views: 355
Tracks
Bad Dancing; Rocky; The One Who Knows; The Earth Is on Fire; Samadhi; Lion's Eyes.
Personnel
Joe Elefante
pianoFreddie Hendrix
trumpetErena Terakubo
saxophone, altoSameer Shankar
bassDave Heilman
drumsAlbum Description
On October 25, 2024, jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Joe Elefante will release the debut album of his latest project, Wheel of Dharma. The quintet, which includes Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Erena Terakubo (saxophone), Sameer Shankar (bass), and Dave Heilman (drums), brings together original compositions from Elefante with an eye toward honoring the past while pushing the boundaries of modern jazz. Elefante, Hendrix, and Heilman share a special bond that spans over two decades, having met and played together during their college years. The trio, close friends for 25 years, reunited for this project, drawing on their deep musical and personal connection. Wheel of Dharma’s album release is not just a celebration of their collaboration, but a testament to Elefante’s personal journey. After the heartbreaking death of his wife of 16 years to cancer in March 2024, Elefante was forced to confront the fragility and preciousness of life. This loss reignited his passion for music, pushing him to return to his true calling—creating and sharing music with the world. Reflecting on the turning point in his life, Elefante shared: “Losing Caryn made me realize how fleeting life is. I had been working part-time as a musician for a decade, but when she passed, I knew I had to dive back into my music full-time. It’s what I was put here to do.” The album, which features five of Elefante’s original compositions and one penned by Terakubo, called "Rocky," showcases the quintet’s powerful synergy and expansive sound. The project was recorded and produced independently by Elefante, demonstrating his hands-on approach and commitment to the music.
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