This is a legacy film about the unique life of legendary drummer, composer, and artist Ra Kalam Bob Moses
About the Film
Ra Kalam Bob Moses has influenced generations of musicians and has played with Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Charles Mingus, and many other greats. Unfortunately, Moses recently received a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. My aim for this film is to help him tell his own story while there is still time.
The film will follow Moses’ journey from his early days jamming with jazz legends in New York to his rise as an artist who has transcended genres and styles. Moses is known for his albums Bittersuite in the Ozone and When Elephants Dream of Music, and for his contributions to Pat Metheny’s Bright Size Life, an album that was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry. Moses has developed a philosophy of “living music” by which he mentors musicians seeking creative freedom.
The most unconventional music lesson of my life led to this project. I went into the lesson knowing almost nothing about Ra Kalam. After drinking tea and talking some, I spent nearly 3 hours listening to him sing, play, and explain his philosophy of living music. The lesson ended with me picking out an album and watching him “contour” (dance). Years of reflecting on this lesson—and many lessons since—have helped me accept myself and not feel like I need to be anyone else. Since that lesson, I’ve spent almost 20 years cultivating a friendship and mentorship with Ra Kalam.
In September of 2023, we shot the heart of the documentary over a week in New Orleans. It included live performances, master classes, and a recording session in which Moses was joined by renowned musicians such as drummer Johnny Vidacovich, percussionist Bill Summers, and saxophonist Tony Dagradi. I conducted interviews and documented the conversations of these musical greats as they interacted.
Ra Kalam Bob Moses has impacted me in unpredictable artistic and spiritual ways. I want to tell his unique story in a way that is relatable to musicians and non-musicians alike. I’m so honored to get to make this film and share his story.
Thank you for your support!
