| | | | |
| | | |  |
|
Originally from Benton Harbor, Michigan, Wali
Muhammad began playing drums at an early age. Having been surrounded
by musical role models, Wali was encouraged to study piano to strengthen his musical
understanding. Through his school years he participated not only in school activities
such as drum corps, but was active in his community competing in talent contests
and performing at local venues. Tony Williams was
his biggest influence and with his direction set Mr. Muhammad went on to attend
Boston’s renowned Berklee College of Music. While
at Berklee, Wali started developing his concepts of jazz drumming through private
studies. Tony Notofanzo and Lenny Nelson, broadened his mind and allowed him to
hone his skills. Competiton was tight due to the presence of fellow classmates
Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Jeff “Tain” Watts and Gene Jackson.
However, Wali’s musicality shined through, allowing him to establish his
name performing in creative bands led by Don Byron, Greg
Osby and Donald Harrison.
After earning his Bachelor
of music degree from Berklee in 1984, Mr. Muhammad moved to Montreal, Canada,
to expand his musical horizons. He began teaching at Concordia University and
conducting jazz workshops for schools in the province of Quebec. In 1987, Wali
began performing with jazz pioneer/bassist Charlie
Biddle at Biddle’s Jazz. The weekly performances lasted
fifteen years, making this an unforgettable musical experience. Together they
became a rhythmic force that played with spirit and drive, thus bringing the greatness
out of of those who shared their understanding. | | |
| | | | | | |
Over the next few years, Mr. Muhammad has performed
and recorded with some of Canada’s accomplished musicians. His recordings
include Felix Award recipient Oliver Jones
for Yuletide Swinging and Juno recipient The Montreal
Jubilation Gospel Choir for Joy To The World. In 1991 he was privileged
to participate in Nelson Symonds’ recording of Getting
Personal. In 1996 he played on Charlie Biddle’s debut CD In Good Company.
Mr. Muhammad has performed written pieces with The Metropolitan Orchestra and
I Musici Of Montreal. He has performed for heads of state Nelson Mandela and Prime
Minister Jean Chretien. In 1994, Mr.
Muhammad formed Together As One Productions
to produce and promote a series of jazz events. He began by showcasing the talents
of prominent artists such as Sonny Fortune, Cyrus Chestnut and James Williams.
The success of the shows were known for quality and distinction. Paul Wells of
the Gazette said, “in a perfect world, Wali Muhammad wouldn’t have
to worry about anything except playing his drums. But you need a thriving music
scene if jazz musicians are going to be left alone to play, and montreal’s
is closer to cardiac arrest. So Muhammad has taken it upon himself to apply electroshock.
He may be just in time to save the patient.”
Over the last eight
years, Mr. Muhammad has appeared on ten recordings for various
international artists on the Justin Time label. Vocalist Jeri
Brown recordings of Unfolding the Peacock, Fresh Start and I’ve got your
number have gotten great reviews. Pianist Johnny
O’Neil’s recording of On The Montreal Scene was also successful. These
recordings and promotional concerts surrounding them have led Wali to a
creative cooperation with such artists as John Hicks, Rufus Reid, Curtis Lundy,
Cyrus Chestnut, Stephen Scott, Russell Malone, Avery Sharpe, Fred Hersch, Peter
Leitch, Kirk Lightsey, Tarus Mateen and Seamus Blake. |
| | | | | | | |
 | | | | |
| | | | | |
