Hannibal Lokumbe's "Dear Mrs. Parks" is a profound and moving choral work, released on Naxos in December 2009. This 58-minute album is a heartfelt tribute to Rosa Parks, weaving together powerful narratives and soul-stirring melodies. Lokumbe, known for his unique blend of classical and jazz influences, crafts a poignant musical journey that honors the legacy of a civil rights icon.
The album features a diverse range of vocal performances, including soloists and a chorus, each contributing to the rich tapestry of sound. Tracks like "Dear Mrs. Parks: For We Have Walked the Streets of Babylon" and "Dear Mrs. Parks: Songs from Heaven Falling" showcase Lokumbe's ability to convey deep emotion through music. The inclusion of a child soprano in "Dear Mrs. Parks: Giving Their Children the Will to Continue" adds a touching layer of innocence and hope.
"Dear Mrs. Parks" is not just an album; it's an experience that resonates with themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring spirit of humanity. Hannibal Lokumbe's compositional prowess shines through, making this a memorable and impactful listen.
2009 Naxos2009 Naxos
Tracks
Dear Mrs. Parks: A Prayer for the World (Audience) - The Over Soul Sends to Us [Chorus]Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
Dear Mrs. Parks: A Prayer for the World (Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Bass, Chorus)Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
Dear Mrs. Parks: For We Have Walked the Streets of Babylon, Forty Thousand Strong (Chorus)Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
Dear Mrs. Parks: In Sacrifice (Chorus)Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
Dear Mrs. Parks: For the Future (Chorus)Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
Dear Mrs. Parks: Seeds of the World (Bass, Chorus)Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
Dear Mrs. Parks: Songs from Heaven Falling (Soprano, Chorus)Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
Dear Mrs. Parks: Like Luminous Rain Upon the Daughters of Isis (Mezzo-soprano, Chorus)Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
Dear Mrs. Parks: Giving Their Children the Will to Continue (Child Soprano, Chorus)Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
Dear Mrs. Parks: Singing a Prayer for the Souls of the World (All)Hannibal Lokumbe, Janice Chandler Eteme, Jevetta Steele, Kevin Deas, Taylor Lee Gardner, Rackham Symphony Choir, Brazeal Dennard Chorale, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins
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