Project Scope

This is a film about groundbreaking drummer, composer, and artistic innovator, Ra Kalam Bob Moses. He has received a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis and we want to help him tell the story of his incredible musical journey while we still have him with us.

Ra Kalam Bob Moses is among the great musicians of our time. He has played on historic records, including Pat Metheny’s Bright Size Life, and performed or recorded with musical luminaries like Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Gary Burton, Jack DeJohnette, Carla and Paul Bley, Steve Swallow, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, John Scofield, Steve Kuhn, Pharoah Sanders, Todd Rundgren, John Medeski, Bobby McFerrin, and Tisziji Muñoz. Moses was raised in the company of groundbreaking drummers—as a kid, he lived in a building with Art Blakey, Max Roach, and Elvin Jones—and was jamming with Charles Mingus by the time he was 13. 

Not content to limit himself to the realm of jazz music, Ra Kalam created his own style and philosophy of “living music,” transcending from music maker to innovator. He has dedicated much of his life to sharing this philosophy with students and fellow musicians, with a mission to help great musicians of different genres find freedom in their expression.

This film will include footage of Moses on stage, in the studio, and in personal interviews, as well as interviews with some of the people who have known him best throughout his lifetime. 

Filming will take place in multiple locations: in New Orleans Sep 25-Oct 1, 2023; in New York, where we will visit people and places that impacted his early life and career; and in Virginia, where we will meet with his guru and long-time collaborator, Tisziji, for a deeper look inside. The film will culminate with a performance, masterclass, and recording session in New Orleans this September, creating multiple touchpoints to educate and inspire audiences.

Moses will be joined in New Orleans by other world-class musicians and legends in their own right, including revered NOLA drummer Johnny Vidacovich (Professor Longhair, Bobby McFerrin, Stanton Moore, Charlie Hunter, Robert Walter, Mose Allison), percussionist Bill Summers (Sting, Herbie Hancock & the Headhunters, Quincy Jones, Sonny Rollins, Salif Keita, Kenny Loggins, Stevie Wonder, Taj Mahal), and saxophonist Tony Dagradi (Ellis Marsalis, Allen Toussaint, Professor Longhair, James Booker, The Meters, Dr. John). There will also be special appearances by saxophonists Michael Adkins (Paul Motian, Dave Holland), Art Edmaiston (the Allman Brothers, Dr. John, Levon Helm, Justin Timberlake), and Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones), as well as other guests. 

Our goal is to document the life and legacy of a cultural treasure while we still have him with us—to share his story in his own words—and help him take his rightful place among his peers as a household name in music history. Ra Kalam has Stage 4 cancer and it is urgent that we document this now.

Who Is Making the Film

This project is being spearheaded by Nashville drummer, percussionist, visual artist, and educator Clifford Koufman. He has develped a close relationship with Ra Kalam as a student, mentee, and friend over more than 15 years. Clifford has interviewed over 100 artists and creative influencers in his series ClifChats, including New Orleans pillars Herlin Riley & Johnny Vidacovich, Oliver Charles & Leon Mobley (Ben Harper’s drummers), Ben Sesar (Brad Paisley), Ari Hoenig, Viktor Krauss (Robert Plant & Lyle Lovett), Walfredo Reyes Sr., Walfredo Reyes Jr., Danny De Los Reyes & Chris Fryar (Zac Brown Band), Danny Barnes, Jonathan Scales, Taku Hirano (Fleetwood Mac & Whitney Houston), Jeff Sipe (Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit), Danny Gottlieb, Arthur Hull, Kenny Werner (Effortless Mastery), Evelyn Glennie, Weedie Bramah, and Eric Struthers (guitarist for the Neville Brothers).

Where Your Contribution Will Go

Our total fundraising goal is $50,750. Your contribution will go directly to film and recording expenses. Our estimated expenses to bring this project to life are as follows:

• Personnel, Camera, Computer & Mics (Memphis, New Orleans, New York, Virginia – including on-location film crew & editing): $27,900
• Travel expenses (Memphis, New Orleans, New York, Virginia – including accommodation, fares, gas, etc.): $11,850
• Recording session in New Orleans (including studio & engineer): $5,500
• Equipment (including rentals, gear, hard drives, etc.): $4,000
• Incidentals (including fundraising platform fees): $1,500

What you’ll get

As a thank you for your contribution, you will receive a gift of:

• $50 donation – Download code for an album from Ra Kalam’s extensive catalog
• $100 donation – Signed CD selected from Ra Kalam’s catalog (limited number available)
• $500 donation – CD and download code for album from the New Orleans recording session
• $1,000 donation – Drum lesson with Ra Kalam
• $10,000 donation – Your name in film credits
• $20,000+ donation – VIP package: hang out in the studio to watch the New Orleans recording session (Sep. 26 & 27 – also available online), VIP seating for 2 at New Orleans concert (Sep. 28 at Snug Harbor), your name in film credits

Contributions of any size, even small, will help us reach our goal. Just click on the “See Options” button to enter your own amount. If our monetary goal is not reached, we will use what funds we do have to create the best documentary, recording, and live experience that we can.

The Impact

This is a story that needs to be told. Much has been made (and rightly) about some of the great names in music—and particularly in the history of jazz. But the story of Ra Kalam Bob Moses has never been told like this. His is a must-know name for any music lover. Your contribution will help us educate others on his importance to the world of Western music.

Risks & Challenges

There are a lot of moving parts to this project, including coordinating events in multiple locations, film crews, musicians, travel, on-site logistics, and post-production needs. This is a labor of love and we have already invested considerable time and resources to get the gears turning. 

We also recognize that, while he has a bright and fighting spirit, Ra Kalam’s diagnosis is not promising. Ra Kalam is the best person to tell his own amazing story, and we want to help him do this while we still have him with us. We feel urgency to complete the filming for this project in the next 3-6 months.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you’re not able to contribute financially, please consider sharing this project on social media or in any circles where people you know are excited about music and culture. And be sure to follow us here to know when the film comes out!