Grab Bag of Abstract Truth

Abstract Truth lives on the edge of classification, weaving jazz with soul, R&B, African and Latin rhythms, rock, gospel, blues, and funk. The musical foundation is the subtle, masterful interplay of drummer (Sultan Akbar), percussionist (Rajul) with bassist and founding member (G. Lawrence Francis). On top of that groove saxophonist (Jesse Andrus) and keyboardist (Scott Coulter) create a rich, vibrant and complex melodic and harmonic world echoing everything from straight ahead jazz to rock. Borrowing from this rich tapestry of musical traditions, Abstract Truth manages to create a sound that is at once fresh and familiar, honoring the masters who came before them, while creating a sound all their own. Their music does not represent Grover Washington, Weather Report, Sly & the Family Stone, Miles or War – instead Abstract Truth takes the musical tradition they have inherited from these masters, and moves humbly forward, adding their own unique voice to this timeless lineage.

G. Lawrence Francis - Bassist/Bandleader/Vocals

G. Lawrence Francis, a native of Philadelphia, PA first picked up the bass after watching original Pieces of a Dream bassist, Cedric Napoleon, perform at Turner middle school when the band was known as A Touch of Class. G. Lawrence (founding member of Abstract Truth) has been playing bass for the last (30) years, studying all styles, including classical training through Settlement Music School. G. Lawrence has shared the stage with a wide variety of artists including Maze - featuring Frankie Beverly, Angela Bofil, War, KEM, Al Green and Parliament, just to name a few. G. Lawrence has released several self-produced CD’s, which have enjoyed radio play around the country. The CD's showcase his writing, recording, mastering and producing skills in addition to his talent as a bassist. You can contact G. Lawrence via email at fazefour4@aol.com or www.myspace.com/abstracttruthmusic

Scott Coulter - Piano/keyboard/organ

Scott Coulter is a Philadelphia based pianist/organist and harmonica player. He has performed in a wide range of bands, everything from old-time bluegrass to avante-garde jazz. He has performed throughout the east coast, from Florida to New England in venues large and small, including Jordan Hall in Boston, World Café Live in Philadelphia, and radio appearances in Denver, CO and Belair, MD.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Jazz Piano Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA, where he studied with Fred Hersch, Danilo Perez` and Paul Bley, among others. In addition to his touring schedule, Scott will be maintaining a regular teaching schedule through Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, PA starting in September, 2009.

You can contact Scott Coulter at his own website:
www.scottcoultermusic.com

Jesse Andrus - Tenor/Alto/Soprano Sax/Flute/Vocals

Jesse Andrus was born in Los Angeles California. As a youth, he studied music at Gompers Jr. High School, recognized as the premier program in the city, under the direction of Frank Harris, Donald Dustin, and Duke Pearson. His classmates included Gerald Albright (Sax), Ray Brown (trumpeter for Earth Wind, and Fire) and Kenny Pickens (trombonist for Brothers Johnson). After testing out of his first year at Los Angeles City College, Jesse studied orchestration and arranging with Dr. Don Simpson, and was chosen to play first tenor, flute and clarinet in Dr. Simpson's "Studio Jazz Band". After City College, Jesse joined the Armed Forces School of Music. He was one of only four graduates (out of a class of 24 students) of the infamous F2, the Enlisted Bandleader Course. From there Jesse went on to lead the 19th Army Band at Ft. Dix, New Jersey from 1983 to 1985. Jesse was in good company, as he later learned that the legendary Grover Washington Jr. had also been a member of the 19th Army Band. Jesse has written and recorded original music for Sony Music/ATV, 613 Music, and FJP Publishing, and has played with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Lenny White, Uri Caine, Lonnie Smith, Don Paterson, James Lloyd, Kenny Garrett, Curtis Harmon, Steve Nelson, and countless others. Jesse also maintains a regular teaching schedule, and has been an instructor for the Jazz Apprenticeship Program (under the direction of pianist Sarina Bachlietner) located in the “Montana Studio” in Manhattan’s Westside for the past 5 years.

Sultan Akbar - Drummer/Lead Vocals

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Sultan Akbar has been playing drums for the past 43 years. Over the course of his career, Mr. Akbar has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the music business, including Kool and the Gang, Rashan Roland Kirk and Roy Ayers. He has worked as a band leader, sideman and a promoter. Mr. Akbar has always held a deeply spiritual view of music and it’s role in the world. During a recent radio interview, he summarized his view with the following quote: “Music means Man Understanding Spiritual Information Correctly”. Sultan’s deep appreciation for all styles of music can be heard in his versatile drumming, as he moves effortlessly between funk, swing, R&B, gospel, rock and Latin styles as the drummer for Abstract Truth.

Rajul - Percussion/Vocals

Rajul, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, has been studying percussion for over 20 years. He has studied under Baba BOB, and Baba Joe Bryant, studying rhythmic traditions from all over the world. In addition, Rajul studied theory and piano in community college. He has played with Roy Ayers, Rasan Roland Kirk and Leon Thomas, among others. In addition to his performance career, Rajul maintains a strong passion for music education, running a program entitled “Self Esteem for African Rhythm” in the city of Philadelphia. Rajul’s deep understanding of African and Latin rhythms adds a depth and rhythmic complexity that is a vital part of the unique sound of Abstract Truth.


Colette D. Jones was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. At the tender age of 8, Colette began writing words that would ‘come” to her seemingly at random. Her parents noticed her talent for speaking her mind early. They “encouraged” her to learn and recite holiday speeches in church. Throughout her time in school, she continued to hone her gifts. She was a member of the Literary Yearbook Staff throughout her time in high school. She left to join the military in 1987 and placed her reciting skills on hold. She did not however, stop writing poetry. While in Germany, she was finally able to pick up the microphone again in 1991 for a recitation of “Ego Trippin” and has not stopped.

She has performed and hosted several open mic venues overseas and here in the US. Over the past twenty plus years, she has written over 1,000 poems. Presently she has seven volumes of poetry. Colette’s stage name is “ Da-Boogie”. She states that her name defines her as unique and having a poetic rhythm unlike any other poet. Volume 2, entitled “ Sugar and Spice, Naughty or Nice” is self published and has sold over 100 copies. She also has a cd of erotica entitled : Poetic Confections. Colette has taught workshops on poetry and healing yourself through words. She is currently working on publishing her volumes of poetry and projects with other fellow poets.