In 2009, Dawoud formed Renegade Sufi. This was done to distinguish ensemble from performances and recordings. With Dawoud at the core, Renegade Sufi boasts of several fine musicians who have graced the stage; including Jimmy Lopez, Holly Cordero, Rich Stein, Daniel Latif Kurfirst, Brandon Terzic, and others. The group has performed in many prestigious venues in the New York area and elsewhere, and their music has been very well received.
While concentrating on Dawoud’s original compositions (and a handful of carefully chosen covers; including variations on themes by John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, Ludwig Van Beethoven, and modern interpretations of ancient music), the individual member’s contributions are invaluable, and indispensable. It is a true ensemble effort; and while the performances follow a consistent essence, each performance is unique. The mystic and visionary purpose of the music is upheld, and constantly enhanced and augmented by the contributions of these fine musicians.
News of Renegade Sufi’s music has reached all over the US, Europe, and as far away as Russia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
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God’s Unruly Friends is Dawoud’s new ensemble.
The Ensemble offers performances of music improvised from concepts and templates that blend elements from not only musical genres, but translates non musical concepts into musical ideas. GUF picks up where Dawoud’s other ensemble Renegade Sufi, and his solo projects – including his Music Meditation Sessions, and Sacred Forbidden Music concerts – left off.
The element of theatrics is a part of GUF. Dance, lighting, spoken word, visual projections, etc. are all part of the GUF experience; and part of the improvisational processes. No two GUF concerts are exactly alike; and while a lot can (and does) happen on stage, even more is happening in the audience’s psyche. GUF has performed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and many other prestigious venues.
Alumni of God’s Unruly Fiends include Chenana Manno, Dan Kurfirst, Ras Moshe, Jimmy Lopez, Holly Cordero, Rick Musicman Rivera, The Madkoi Quartet, Peter Barr, Olga El, Ruhi Roo, and Akaliko 8.