Sounds of Blackness - studio session at The Current (music + interview)

Опубликовано 27 октября 2022, 22:30

Channeling ancestor energy of Mother Africa, Minneapolis-St. Paul ensemble Sounds of Blackness performed a stellar, uplifting three-song set for The Current. Now more than 51 years old, the three-time Grammy-winning group directed by Gary Hines has influenced and inspired people all over the world, “led by the grace of God.”

The non-profit ensemble is not limited to any single genre, and incorporates jazz, R&B, gospel, blues, hymnals, rock ‘n’ roll, and soul. Hear lyrical themes of racial justice, optimism, hope, faith, and healing sung in this session by 12 of their usual 23-person chorus. Sounds of Blackness also includes an 11-piece band, which pre-recorded the backing tracks provided for the in-studio session.

In the interview hosted by Diane of The Local Show, hear Hines and ensemble members including lead vocalist Jamecia Bennett speak about Sounds of Blackness’ prestigious history, highlighting past performances for artists like Aretha Franklin, all-star collaborations with legends like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and award show appearances at Soul Train, the NAACP Image Awards, and

Video segments:
00:00 I Believe
04:37 We Are The Drum
08:20 Hold Up Your Light
12:51 Interview

Director – Gary Hines
Lead singer –Jamecia Bennett
Ensemble Members (from right to left) – Kadejsha Kibble, Tasha Prince, Carrie Harrington, Melody Doyle, Jamecia Bennett, Breann Star, Ayenna Davis, Bridget Dawkins, Reginald Haney, Rodney Patrick Fair, Len Jones

Credits
Host/Producer – Diane
Guests – Sounds of Blackness
Video – Eric Xu Romani
Camera Operators – Elizabeth Iverson
Audio – Evan Clark
Graphics – Natalia Toledo

Learn more:
www.thecurrent.org
www.soundsofblackness.org