Surat Shabd Yoga - a Sanskrit term, surat means "soul," shabd means "word" and yoga means "union." The term "word" means the “Sound Current,” the “Audible Life Stream” or the “Essence of the Absolute Supreme Being,” that is, the dynamic force of creative energy that was sent out, as sound vibration, from the Supreme Being into the abyss of space at the dawn of the universe's manifestation, and that is being sent forth, through the ages, framing all things that constitute and inhabit the universe.
The stated purpose of Surat Shabda Yoga is to: Realize the individual's True Self (Self-Realization), True Essence (Spirit-Realization) and True Divinity (God-Realization) while living in the human physical body. (Wikipedia link)
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
JOHN MEDESKI TEAMS WITH TISZIJI MUNOZ FOR RECORDING AND TOUR DATES THIS SPRING
"MAHA-SHIVA: The Razor’s healing Edge" Featuring John Medeski with John Lockwood & Don Pate-bass and Bob Ra-kalam Moses-drums Friday, Sept 4th – Colony Café – Woodstock, NY
Two sets, the first set begins at 8:00
$15 at the door - doors open at 7:00
Tisziji Munoz and John Medeski continue their partnership with their fifth show in Woodstock, NY. Accompanied by acclaimed musicians John Lockwood on bass, Don Pate on bass and Ra-kalam Bob Moses on drums, Munoz and Medeski will play a selection of music comprised of Tisziji's original compositions. Link to event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=96318554333&ref=share(New York, NY) For the first time in more than 18 years, keyboardist John Medeski of the innovative trio Medeski Martin & Wood is pairing with guitarist Tisziji Munoz for live dates and an upcoming recording session this spring. Munoz and Medeski kick off their partnership with the first show of what will become a series on April 9th at the Colony Café in Woodstock, NY.
Joined by musicians Don Pate and Bob Ra-kalam Moses, Medeski and Munoz will play a selection of music comprised of various Tisziji Munoz compositions. Although known for their healing qualities, Munoz’ pieces are not always for the easy listener. Medeski comments that the performances will be “very powerful” and believes that it will open many people’s minds to the power of Munoz’ compositions. The evening promises to be one of exciting jazz improvisation with musicians who consistently test their boundaries by challenging themselves and the audience with powerful music.
Composing and playing by the mantra “Heart-Fire Sound” Tisziji Munoz channels his jazz experience and spiritual teachings through his music. Of this knowledge, Medeski states: “He keeps a certain spirit of music alive in the tradition of John Coltrane, passed down through his work with Pharaoh Sanders. Tisziji’s whole life and music are a sacred thing.”
Tisziji Munoz’ biography is filled with the names of great musicians. Munoz began playing music as a child, teaching himself the drums in the Afro-Cuban style before moving on to the Ukulele and eventually the guitar. Munoz’ music is know for its healing qualities, just as he is known for his deep devotion to spiritual pursuits. During a time away from music, Munoz created Anami Music Productions to handle the ever-expanding demands of his musical spirit. Upon his reemergence, Munoz became fully entrenched in the jazz scene, touring with saxophone legend Pharaoh Sanders. During that time and after, Munoz played and recorded with Elvin Jones, Ravi Coltrane, Dr. Art Davis, McCoy Tyner, Rashid Ali, Don Pate and John Medeski.
Since 1991, John Medeski has been part of the genre-defying trio Medeski Martin & Wood. Building upon their jazz roots with the addition of different rhythmic styles, electronics and various forms of rhythmic grooves MMW have broken out of the traditional jazz sphere, garnering them fans from across the musical spectrum. MMW have shared the bill with groups such as The Roots, Beck, A Tribe Called Quest, Ray Charles, Hermento Pascoal, and Phish, frequently appearing in venues unavailable to most jazz artists. Medeski’s recording credits include John Zorn, Iggy Pop, T Bone Burnett, Ray Lamontagne, Dan The Automator, k.d. Lang and more. Medeski has also produced The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, pedal steel guitar group The Campbell Brothers, and two records from The Wood Brothers.
Tisziji Muñoz : Father of ATI RHIDAYA AGNI SHABD YOGA, living as Transcendent Heart-Fire Sound
"Does Spirit only work in the ways of a tradition? Is Spirit not Free to create a new one? The statement 'no enlightenment outside of the traditions' indicates that if you are going to Awaken, it is going to have to happen through transformational processing from some exclusive tradition or formerly established, antique system, institution or lineage. And it is a great statement indeed which has its appropriate impact on certain developed but unenlightened or unliberated beings.
"“Tisziji Muñoz is a man of self-knowledge, and a very advanced musician.
Tisziji is one of the spiritual players. He has that quality about him. He is the only one I know that plays like that. He is the only guitar player I really know that I can play with. To me, it’s like there are no other guitar players. He is the only one. I can’t play with anyone else like I play with Tisziji.
Tisziji can come into my band at any time and we can just play. We don’t have to think about it. He just knows what to play. And we’re just gonna do it. We’re just gonna play the music and it will be what it will be. You never know what he’s going to do next. He thinks and plays on a higher level. Tisziji plays with that spiritual quality that is about being Free. That is in his music. He has a lot of conviction in his music. He has that unique Sound. If you want to know about Tisziji, you have to listen to his music.
I can always talk to Tisziji and play with him like there is no time between us. He is a very unique person. He has helped me through a lot in a lot of different ways. For instance, when we played in Schenectady, I came in with a lot of physical pain, but Tisziji took away my pain. He made me feel good. I always feel good when I’m around Tisziji." Pharoah Sanders - 1998
""Tisziji is a very spiritual person. He is one of the most spiritual people I know. He’s really into it. He lives it. He’s for real. There’s nothing false about him. Everything that he does in his life enhances his music. When you listen to his music you hear that. Everything spills right into his music. To me it’s all about music. Everything in life is in the music. It’s universal.
It’s hard for me to define the spiritual stuff, but I get a feeling when it’s good. All of Tisziji’s music is good. This cat Tisziji is crazy. He has that real open-mindedness and the music can go anywhere at anytime. He is right into what is happening when it’s happening. He’s a great musician and a great person.
Tisziji’s open and free conception is what I’ve been working towards all my life. I found it with Coltrane and I’m still trying to define it. I feel like I’m finding out more with Tisziji, but I also feel that I won’t ever get to the end of it." Rashied Ali - 1999
"I first met Tisziji Muñoz in Toronto Canada, Summer 1969. At dawn, one morning, I was returning home from what was then referred to as an ‘all-nighter,’ when I walked by a man, seated on a stoop, playing acoustic guitar. As I walked, I listened, but having passed, I realized what I had heard, and could walk no further. I turned around, went back and stood transfixed by what this many was playing. It was music of a unique, other-worldly nature. It was intense, beautifully improvised, haunting melody, and although I didn’t understand it, I was galvanized.
That same morning, as the sun rose, I introduced myself to Muñoz and the two of us went to a piano-practice room at the University of Toronto where I was a student. There we played together and he began to instruct me in how to accompany and play this type of music. Thus began a musical and spiritual friendship which continues to this day. I apprenticed with Muñoz from that morning until I left Toronto for New York in 1974. He taught me first a repertoire of jazz standards, expanding my knowledge of harmony, then gradually freed me to play the modal type of spatial music with which he dealt. He formed an electric band and led me and a small group of cats in an exploration of music as a means of spiritual communication with each other and, ultimately, with God. He inspired me to go into music as a full-time vocation." Paul Shaffer, Musical Director Late Show / CBS Television
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PRIMARY INFLUENCE: "SPIRIT FIRST AND LAST" ... with many musicians inbetween." - Tisziji Munoz
Tisziji's Expression of Life & Spirit from the 'Visiting This Planet' liner notes
Spirit is my Life, Nature is my Body, Consciousness is my Mind, Compassion is my Heart, Knowledge is my Mother and Wife, Realization is my Father and Guru
the Human Race is my Family, the Earth is my Stepping-stone, the Solar-system is my Neighborhood, the Universe is my Country, Spiritual Law is my Constitution, the Open Sky is my True Home.
Transcendental Wisdom is my only real Friend, Enlightmenment is my Day, Ignorance is my Night, Disability is my Victory, Suffering is my Sacrifice, Spiritual Genius is my Responsibility, Detachment is my Discipline, Continuity is my Ever-Deepening Joy.
Communion is my Power, Creation is my Thought, Word and Action. Experience is my Degree, Understanding is my Virtue, Intuitive Illumination is my Success, Selfless Being is my Peace, Unconditional Love is my Pleasure.
Lightning is my Symbol, Truth is my Light, Silence is my Sound, Enlightened Service is my Path, Death is my Liberation, Pure Awareness is my Soul of itself.
the Sound Current is my Voice, Freedom is my Song, Balancement is my Instrument, Pure Music is my Religion, Guidance is my Offering, IS-ness is my Doctrine, Desirelessness is my Fullness, God is my Source and Tisziji is my name."
Tisziji Munoz, liner notes to "Visiting This Planet"
Tisziji does not usually play with a 'formal' band, (the longest regular gig was playing with Pharoah Sanders group in the 1970s & 80's) but he records with many of the most renowned Free-jazz players of the last 30 years.
Saxophonists: Pharoah Sanders, Dave Liebman, Ravi Coltrane, Nick Brignola, Pat La Barbara, Jerry Bergonzi, Michael Stewart, Charles Lloyd, Dave Schnitter, Bill Drews, Carlos Garnet, Joe Henderson, Mario Rivera, George Garzone, Alvin Paul and Arthur Rhames. Pianists/Keyboardists: John Hicks, McCoy Tyner, Hilton Ruiz, Marilyn Crispell, Bernie Senensky, Paul Shaffer, Danilo Perez, Don Thompson, John Medesky, Joe Bonner, Brad Hatfield, Terry Logan, Jon Weiss, Greg Murphy, Bob Murphy, John Esposito, Ted Moses and Michael Cochrane. Drummers: Rashied Ali, Bob Moses, Idris Muhammed, Elvin Jones, Lucas Ligetti, Claude Ranger, Adam Nussbaum, Franklin Kiermeyer, Freddie Waites, Clayton Johnson, Dave Calarco, Terry Clark, Jim Norman, Keith Blackley, Michael Carvin, Bob McLarin, Greg Pilo, Norman Connors, Lenny White, Greg Bandy, Michael Craydon, John Weir, Charles Moffit, Guillermo Cantu and Don Thompson and Toby Williams. Bassists: Don Pate, Art Davis, Cecil McBee, Dennis Irwin, John Lockwood, Ratso Harris Mark Dresser, Alex Blake, Matthew Garrison, Don Thompson, Michel Donato, George Koller, Neil Swainson, Steve Neal, Steve Wallace, John Erlenson, John Burr, Dave Pilch, Stanley Clark, Chris Woods, Rick Homme, Reggie Workman, Buster Williams, Andy McKee, Andy Gonzales, Jack McFadden, Bruce Gertz, Phil Bowler, Jameel Nasser, Saheeb Sarbib, Ray Drummond, Fred Hopkins, Junie Booth, Andy McCloud and Stafford James. Percussionists: Jerry Gonzales, Guillerme Franco, and Lawrence Killien. Trumpeters: Tom Harrell, Freddie Stone, Eddie Henderson, Woody Shaw, John Gardner, Hannibal, Bruce Cassidy and Michael Malone. Guitarists: Sonny Greenwich, Lenny Breau and Henry Kaiser. Trombonist: Steve Turre. Flutist: Kathy Moses.
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CD INFORMATION FOR CURRENT MUSIC SELECTIONS IN PLAYLIST
"TIsziji Live 2003" is solo clips from 'Gratitude', 'Ns-Nt-Nm=NP' and 'Visiting this Planet'
from "Love At First Sound"
April 24, 2003 at Regent Theater in Arlington MA CD available through ANAMI (Nameless) Music "This miraculous performance by Tisziji Muñoz and band once again illustrated the brilliant, transformative, liberating effect of his music and presence on those beings who are open to the light of Spirit and the song of the Silent One. Yours, now and forever in gratitude, humility and grace." - Ra-kalam (Bob Moses)
"Being a part of this music was such an honor and a great lesson in humility. In truth, this night represents the most humbling musical experience of my life thus far." ..Justin Purtill
Tisziji Muñoz: Guitar & Synth
Ra-kalam Bob Moses: Drums
John Lockwood: Bass
Justin Purtill: Bass Single CD - 9.00AVAILABLE HERE
"Miles Mode" and "Ode to The Mother"
from 'The Presence of Truth" - CD available through ANAMI (Nameless) Music "Presence of Truth is a musical demonstration of the fundamental freedom and fearlessness which accompany the Realization of Heart-Truth and playing, or being played, from such a transcendental and delightful state beyond self, thought and mind." -Tisziji Muñoz
Tisziji Muñoz: Guitar
Rashied Ali: Drums and Percussion
Hilton Ruiz: Piano
Don Pate: Bass Single CD - 9.00AVAILABLE HERE
"Thank You All Great Spirits (thank you for your Love)" and "Final Words"
from 'Spirit World" - CD available through ANAMI (Nameless) Music
1 features Pharoah Sanders and Dave Liebmann on Tenors, Rahied Ali on Drums. 2 features Pharoah and Tisziji channeling the sound-current.
Tisziji Muñoz: Guitar, Keyboard Synths, bells, Vocals*
Rashied Ali: Drums and Percussion
Bernie Senensky: Piano
Don Pate: Bass
Pharoah Sanders: Saxophone, Vocal effects* Double CD - 15.00AVAILABLE HERE
"Expression" and "Joy Of Freedom" ("expression" is among the final works by John Coltrane)
From "Hu-Man Spirit" with Dave Liebman & Rashied Ali - CD availale on ANAMI Music
Track 2 features Dave Liebman on Trane's classic late-period ballad.
Tisziji Muñoz: Guitars, Bells, Synth, Flutes and Scream
Rashied Ali: Drums
Dave Liebman: Saxophones and Flute Solo
Don Pate: Bass - panned right
John Lockwood: Bass - panned left
Bernie Senensky: Piano Double CD - 15.00AVAILABLE HERE
"Dindi" and "Ode To the Mother"
From "Great Sacrifice! Tisziji Munoz, Live! (Maha-Yajna)
"This band sounds completely possessed - burning spirits, pushing each other & us up to the heavens! There is a relaxed vibe at the beginning of most of these tunes, but it soon erupts with every incredible solo! Munoz' solos are a marvel of high speed lines beyond belief, but with a grittier and more spiritual tone than most fusion guitarists would ever use. This music is filled with torrential energy! There are those pieces where his solos just keep going higher & higher..." - Review from Online
Tisziji Muñoz: Guitars,
Bob Moses: Drums
Bernie Senensky: Piano
Don Pate: Bass - panned right
Paul Shafer: Keyboards CD - 9.00AVAILABLE HERE
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The Current Release: is a Compilation/Retrospective covering 20 years of Tisziji's underground and over-the-top music.
"LOVE ALWAYS: Spirit of the Ancient Masters - by Tisziji Munoz Now On AMAZON.COM Tracks:
1. "Song For All Children" - CD: Visiting This Planet (1982/Anami)
2. "Seven Steps to Heaven"- CD: Death Is A Friend Of Mine
3. "All Blues"- CD: Death Is A Friend Of Mine (1996/Anami)
4. "Blessings"- CD: Presence Of Mastery (Anami/1999)
5. "Summer Of '42"- CD: Death Is A Friend Of Mine (1996/Anami)
6. "Breaking The Wheel Of Life and Death" - CD: Breaking The Wheel Of Life and Death (Anami/2000)
7. "Happy Sadness"- CD: Presence Of Joy (Anami/1999)
8. "Purification By Fire"- CD: Spirit World (Anami/1997)
9. "Offering Of Love"- CD: Parallel Reality (with Ravi Coltrane) (Anami/2001)
10. "Love Is When You Let It Be"- CD: Death Is A Friend of Mine (1996/Anami)
Discography: Love At First Sound, 2004 Anami Music Divine Radiance, 2003 Distributed by Dreyfus Records Produced by Anami Music Shaman-Bala, 2002 Anami Music Hu-Man Spirit, 2001 Anami Music Parallel Reality, 2000 Anami Music Breaking the Wheel of Life and Death, 2000 Anami Music Auspicious Healing, 2000 Anami Music Presence Of Mastery, 1999 Anami Music Presence Of Joy, 1999 Anami Music Presence Of Truth, 1999 Anami Music Tisziji Muñoz Live! Great Sacrifice, 1999 Anami Music Alpha-Nebula, 1997 Anami Music Spirit World, 1997 Anami Music Present Without A Trace, 1997 Anami Music The River of Blood, 1997 Anami Music Death Is A Friend Of Mine, 1996 Anami Music Tisziji Muñoz - Spirit Man, 1995 Anami Music Heart Sound, 1995 Anami Music Visiting This Planet, 1980's Anami Music Rendezvous With Now, 1978 India Navigation - N/A Pharoah Sanders - Pharoah, 1976 India Navigation - N/A
"Spirit Is the Great Mover.
All of my written and musical works are responses to either requests
or questions from certain individuals, or are the responses to Spirit.
I have no desire to create of myself. Only Spirit and the spiritual needs
of others will move me to create and share of these things.
This is not written as The Truth of or for every being, nor are most
other beings expected or intended to be in agreement with this or
any of my works. Rather, this work is for the few whose awakening
is in sympathetic resonance with this Spirit. Therefore, any book I write or anything that i say is the viewpoint or statement of the moment and not necessarily Who or What I Am."
Hu-naam,
Tisziji Munoz
A Message from Tisziji: (... This music and teaching) "is the gift of the living fire of Silence, here for those in critical psychic and spiritual need of serious multidimensional deep healing, integration and recognition. Who, in recognizing their apparent, persisting conscious and unconscious bondage to mechanical self, thought, speech and mind programs, gradually open to the blister path of immediate awakening by Heart-Fire Sound burn!
How beautiful is this? Who hears this?"
-Tisziji Munoz, May 1st 2007.
From personal message to miqel about the myspace page
Knowing that most individuals would not have any direct contact with him, Tisziji has graciously documented and published his views on a vast array of subjects, which served the purpose of providing answers and insights into life’s problems.
He has also provided writings describing the way that he plays and how best to listen to his sound creations and musical expressions. These written works freed Tisziji from the burden of any formal or ritualistic teaching function.
We will add new quotes from some of Tisziji's dozens of self-published books to the profile each month.
Tisziji accepts no followers but welcomes the friendship of those who appreciate his music and sacred effort. He teaches that each must become masters of their own fate, that each must awaken the Master within themselves.
Just letting you know,five months later.... riding your blissful flowing current,creative epiphanies as a prelude to gnosis... Resonance by every definition... Love to all-Burn on my friend.
Thanks to you Jazz just got interesting again. This music is excellent, wild n dirty, mind expanding and ethereal. Jazz ain't dead, it's alive and well in Tisziji Munoz's fingers.
I have been led towards you just yesterday. I've come full circle recently,long derailed for 20 years of my personal path of sciences & arts. Upon first hearing your music yesterday you immediately inspired truth,love and reconnecting,finally,with my true self. Riding your blissful winds of sound I wrote a poem to express,to thank you,my new friend.
....... aahhhh..... WE are all that issss.....
....... destroyed MYSELF to live again, upon broken backs which need no mend, no meds to mind bend,numb or pretend. ....... expand,transcend,flourish,live & lend, deploy,destroy then do it all again, MANY fuss,rush,cuss & lust, with their junk filled trunks, they clunckity clunck, defunct,asunder,finally debunked, defeated,divided,finally demystified, WE glided back to..... .......aahhh..... WE are ALL that isss.....
We=Myself=Many=We=I=All that is...........
Teaching me everything by showing me nothing as ALL is as was,once within IS always,as never was,always has........ is.
Thank so much Tisziji!! Thank you for Truth & Love- sincerely,Robert-
Hu from Hungary! We're (Rashied's Quintet) staying on the Pest side of the Danube river, but I visited the Buda side and was temporarily Ensounded!! Now I'm back to being a Pest. All the best to you and the familia, mi grande hermano!
Tisziji speaks about Music, Life, Spirit, Art and Heart. Very good Wisdom!
