New York-based pianist, keyboardist and composer Surya Botofasina has recently released his debut album , titled Everyone’s Children on the always excellent label, Spiritmuse Records. Raised at the Sai Anantam Ashram in the Southern Californian hills, Surya was taught by the legendary Alice Coltrane, who’s both music and religious practices are foundational elements in his life.

Featuring over two hours of music over 8 tracks, this superb 2xLP blends together spiritual jazz, cosmic hypnotic textures, meditative sounds and ambient tones that are both soulful enriching and uplifting. The recording is a mixture of shorter and long extended compositions, including the epic 27-minute duet opener “Surya Meditation” with renowned percussionist and the album’s producer Carlos Niño (who first linked up on Niño’s Build An Ark ensemble).

Also featured on the session is spiritual jazz vocalist Dwight Trible, indie folk singer Mia Doi Todd, highly-gifted cosmic guitarist Nate Mercereau, saxophonist Pablo Calogero, drummer Efa Etoroma Jr., and Botofasina’s mother, harpist and Alice Coltrane disciple Radha Botofasina.

Dedicated to the formative influences in Surya Botofasina’s life; his mother, grandmother and Alice Coltrane, Everyone’s Children is a remarkable explorative devotional music statement. Highly recommended!

SF Bay Area Residents: Surya Botofasina will be performing alongside Nate Mercereau with Carlos Niño and special guest saxophonist Idris Ackamoor (of The Pyramids) at the SFJAZZ Center, Thursday, Feb 23rd.

Info & tickets: SFJAZZ.org

Surya Botofasina — ‘Everyone’s Children’
(Spiritmuse Records)

1. Surya Meditation
2. I Love Dew, Sophie
3. Beloved California Temple
4. Everyone’s Children (with Mia Doi Todd)
5. Sun of Keshava
6. Waves For Margie (with Radha Botofasina)
7. Surya Meditation (Reprise) Radio Edit
8. Surya Meditation Excerpt (with Swamini Satsang)

BUY RECORD

• Cosmic
• Spiritual Jazz