It is a deep blessing in my life to have had the opportunity, as an English composer and guitarist, to record this music with some of the most talented musicians in the world. It was a wonderful experience for me to work with these unique artists who not only became my teachers over the years in various ways, but also close friends.

To tell you something about myself and these friends: I was raised in London, Pontefract and Brighton, started playing the guitar at age seven and performed with various 'progressive jazz/rock bands' in England during the seventies. While visiting California I attended a concert by the legendary sarode maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan which changed my life. After the concert we were introduced and I ended up leaving England to study guitar and Indian classical music with him. I played in his orchestra for several years and was very honored to record with him in 1993 on the "Garden of Dreams" album.

While at the Ali Akbar College of Music I also studied tabla and rhythm with Zakir Hussain. Subsequently we played together in a number of groups over the years which involved, among other things, recording with 'The Rhythm Experience' and touring the UK in 'Peshkar' with Shankar, Larry Coryell and Vikku Vinayakram. Zakir invited me to tour India with John McLaughlin and 'Shakti' in 1984. An unforgettable experience, at the end of which we performed and recorded together in Bombay with my favorite Indian guitarist Brij Bhushan Kabra.

Shankar, whose depth of musicality has always amazed me, brought a joyous and exhilarating energy to the recording which left me speechless! His kindness and generosity over many years have been a cornerstone of encouragement and happiness in my life.

Vikku Vinayakram, one of India's finest ghatam (clay pot) players, has a fiery uniqueness that adds something marvelous to everything he plays. I am honored by his presence on this project and feel blessed to have shared some incredible times with him.

Zakir also introduced me to Shankar's brother, the great violinist L. Subramaniam, with whom I played my US concert debut in 1983 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco with artists including Larry Coryell, Paul Horn, John Handy and Jorge Strunz. Subsequently, I recorded on two albums that Subramaniam made for Milestone: "Indian Express" with Stanley Clarke and Hubert Laws in 1983, and "Conversations" with Stephane Grappelli, Joe Sample and Jorge Strunz in 1984.

Zakir's contribution to this album goes well beyond his tremendous virtuosity. He has been a terrific help in my endeavour to record these compositions and a fantastic friend.

I had the exceptional good fortune to meet the late great drummer and composer Tony Williams. He taught me classical harmony during the eighties. I am grateful to him for so much, particularly his friendship, encouragement, diligent teaching and open heart. Tony kindly offered to produce this recording before his untimely recent passing. I thank him also for introducing me to Jack Bruce who has been an immense inspiration since my early teens.

It is a sheer delight to me that Jack is playing bass and singing on this album. Working with him was indescribably enjoyable and uplifting!

While Jack was on tour in the US he introduced me to his drummer, Gary Husband. Gary's enthusiasm to play on this project translated to brilliance on both drums and keyboards. His boundless and untiring creativity into the wee hours and beyond was unsurpassed.

Scott Thunes and I were occasional bandmates before he went off to play bass for three world tours with Frank Zappa, including 88, and has appeared on innumerable Zappa recordings since the mid-eighties.

John Good and I have played in many groups together both in England and the US. My oldest friend, has journeyed through the curious with me extensively & his assistance with arranging & scoring, among other things, has been invaluable.

Mark Robertson was my next door neighbor for several years and kept me awake with his practice as a classical concert pianist! He presently leads the band 'Cairo'.

Deborah Winters was recommended to me by Tony Williams as a great vocalist and we have worked together on various projects ever since. She fronts her own band.

The unfolding of events and circumstances as a musician, that seem to have culminated in my recording this disc, leave me to conclude that indeed ...."It's a curious life".

This album represents the fruits of ten years work and I am profoundly grateful to these friends for their superb and extraordinary contribution to it.