They've taken it to the streets, they've taken it to the mountaintop -- this black collective of musicians, singers, writers and producers have taken the music OF a people TO the people in nearly every corner of the globe. Sharing their knowledge of music in the tradition of Africa's Griots, Duke Ellington's elegance, Steve Wonder's humanity and this generation of rappers' own truths.
Between the drum and the drum samples - the common thread is the music of Africa taken throughout the Diaspora and made new again, given as a gift for reconciliation by the Sounds of Blackness.
They've got the power to bring the message; membership is 30 strong; the touring ensemble is eight musicians and nine singers. As they traverse time and history, echoes of Africa are heard. Negro spirituals, ragtime flow into jazz and the blues and the yesterdays meet today in the beats of hip-hop.
This innovative and history making group always has a message in the music. For this album it is "Reconciliation", according to the group's soft-spoken, articulate leader Gary Hines. "The only hope for humankind is peace. We need to forgive and forget on every level, and it begins with the individual -- you and me. We need to realize that for all the summits, committees and surveys to work, we have to individually look to reconcile, to heal the breaches between us". Change is going to come in The New Millennium.
If the power of music can bring about change, this ensemble has the talent to do it. The vocal range of the featured singers alone encompasses every voice shading. The honey sandpaper of R&B, the multiple-octaves of pop, the power swell of gospel testimony, the urgency of jazz phrasing and the rap of hip-hop are all celebrated on the album with featured singers Carrie Harrington, Yulanda Rambo, Billy Steele, and Andrea Tribitt.
The album, once again, might confound those looking for a convenient label for this group defy category. They have been fluid in change, evolving from young, hopeful students at McAlester College, who sang protest and freedom songs as the 60's challenged some long-held racist beliefs. Finding the strongest truth in glorifying the music that sprang from the hearts, souls and rich rhythms of African-Americans, the group evolved. Hines says, "We wanted to embrace all the categories of our people. With its innovative and adaptive possibilities, the nature of our music is to embrace and transform the life experience from joy to pain into a celebration of spirit".
Indeed, this album celebrates the spirit. The dozen songs, written by group members Hines, Steele, Harrington, Lacy, plus Jeff Taylor, Daryl Boudreaux, Paul Johnson and Lacie Hollies are inspirational looks at relationships - mother to daughter, man to woman, parent to child and the individual to Almighty God.
The album begins with some well-known radio personalities introing the group including Walt Baby Love, Freddy Bell, Q-Bear Banks, Gerald Montgomery and Donnie Simpson. The set contains songs that inspire, steering very clear of any cliché': "Try" is an uplifting, encouraging cut that samples the Spinners' "It's a Shame", delivering the subtext message that it would be a shame if you didn't try. "Dreams" advocates belief in yourself and urges "don't be afraid to dream".
"Straight Ahead" is an upbeat look at staying positive, "giving a hand to our fellow man", "keeping your head together and helping one another".
Judicious use is made of talented rappers. "24 and Back Again" features the duet of Double "L" on an intro that leads into the soulful vocals of Carrie Harrington. One of the best groves on the set, this cut will appeal to the younger listener. "U R The One" has Lil' Buddy rappin' at the intro and outro. There's a very danceable hip-hop grove with strong radio appeal here.
The supple, sensuous voice of assistant musical director Billy Steele is featured throughout. He is the co-writer of "Thank You", and is paired with the multi-octave heart-touching voice of Amy Petersen for some perfect testimony thanking the Lord for "every step I take and every move I make".
"Love Will Change Things" is an extremely inspirational song that delivers the message with gentle subtlety and power.