12.17.08 | Interview w. Vijay Iyer
As I've mentioned before, I'm the editor-at-large for the Pi Recordings blog. I recently posted an interview with a hero of mine, pianist/composer Vijay Iyer--check it out!

12.03.08 | Artinger Guitars Endorsement
I'm proud to be endorsing Artinger Custom Guitars of Emmaus, PA.

Matt Artinger : Guitar :: Masamune : Samurai Sword

09.14.08 | Blogging for Pi Recordings
The folks at Pi Recordings (www.pirecordings.com) have asked me to blog for them, and I just posted my first entry, entitled "Hip-Hop and the Shape of Jazz to Come". I'll be updating it every week or two. Check it out!

08.08.08 | Featured photo with jazz master Billy Hart on Swart Amplification website
Don't miss the splash on the Swart Amplification website (www.swartamps.com). Swart makes some of the finest tube amplifiers on the market, and I've been endorsed by them since the spring...

A detailed quote will soon be featured on the "reviews" page.

06.19.08 | New York shows in July
I'm heading to New York in July and will have some engagements in Manhattan and Brooklyn, so keep your eyes on the shows section for more information!

On July 13th, I'll be performing Downstairs @ Cornelia Street Cafe (West Village) with the Rafiq Bhatia Collective at 10pm, and before that with Nina Moffitt's group at 9pm. The lineup is:

Rafiq Bhatia: Guitars, Loops
Nina Moffitt: Voice
Kyle Wilson: Tenor Saxophone
Corey King: Trombone
Jackson Hill: Bass
Alex Ritz: Drums

Hope to see you there!

04.26.08 | Rafiq Bhatia Presents "Discourse with Drummers": A Recital
I'm pleased to invite those of you in the Oberlin/Cleveland, OH area to my 3rd year recital:

Come to the Feve Wednesday, May 7th, 2008, to hear my third year recital, "Discourse with Drummers". The program features duets with my teachers/friends (and a finale with all four of us together!):

-Billy Hart: drums (Professor of Jazz Drums, legend: www.billyhartmusic.com)
-Paul Samuels: drums (Oberlin Jazz Faculty, www.paulsamuelsmusic.com)
-Alex Ritz: drums, percussion (myspace.com/alexritzmusic)

We will be performing works by Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Davis/Mitchell, Hammerstein/Kern, Johnny Mercer, Joanna Newsom, and yours truly.

Please feel free to invite your friends!

The recital starts at 9pm. Hope to see you there!

03.29.08 | Endorsement and New Recording Project!
I am honored to announce that I have been added to the impressive and rapidly growing list of artists who endorse the Swart Amplifer Co.! Check out the Atomic Space Tone here...incredible tube sound with a brilliant, compact design!


In other news, I'll be going into the studio in June to record an album of duets with North Carolina bassist Rick Lassiter (and perhaps a few special guests).

You can hear and purchase Rick's latest release, The Land Outside, which features Mahlon Hoard on saxophones and Tyson Rogers on keys, here.

Stay tuned for updates!

02.18.08 | New Forthcoming Release!
I'm currently working on a collaborative album with two of my favorite musicians and close friends, drummer Alex Ritz, and composer/producer/multimedia artist Alexander Overington. The record will be finished in May, and will feature poetry from special guest Brian Hedgepeth. I will post music as it becomes available...check back for updates!

Also, make sure you check out the shows page for newly listed performances...

11.26.07 | New Website
Welcome to my new website! Here you can find information regarding upcoming releases and events, as well new collaborations and music. See "contact" if you would like to be added to my mailing list, or if you just want to get in touch...

Thanks for stopping by,
... ...
Rafiq