TRANSCENDER is Patrick Butler’s third jazz CD release. This project was prompted by Josh Harris’ move to Los Angeles. Harris and Butler played together in bands on the East Coast in the early 80s. Harris’ prowess on different woodwinds led to discussions of a project that would feature bass clarinet. The music winds and weaves its way like a river of guitars, Rhodes pianos, Hammond B3 organs and double track bass clarinets. It is an unusual and relaxing sound, somewhat reminis- cent of the Miles Davis sessions with Bennie Maupin.
 
Patrick Butler is an accomplished guitar player whose abilities span many musical styles. He studied musical theory with jazz legends Harry Leahey and James Spaulding. He recorded and toured with funk band The Fatback Band and appears on Fatback’s single, King Tim III, considered to be the first rap song recorded. Butler recorded with Mike Watt, indie rock bass player phenom, appearing on Watt’s Ball Hog or Tugboat. He also appears on Stephen Perkins’ acid jazz band Banyan’s Anytime at All .
 
Butler’s current projects include fronting the Celtic rock band, Superkeltic, and playing with Dave Williams’ nujazz band, The MajicBulletTheory.