Tag: Lift Every Voice and Sing

Posted on

Lift Every Voice and Sing (part 2)

I loved that wonderful instrumental version of “Lift Every Heart…” [from yesterday’s post], but I still had a hankering to hear it sung. And that’s how I stumbled on this video from 1985.

Al Green and Deniece Williams sang solos; Patti Austin, Roberta Flack, Melba Moore, and Deborah McDuffie were the back up singers; and my uncle-by-marriage, jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis, is one of the studio musicians!

There are a few things that really touched me about this video. One is the warmth, joy, and sheer vitality radiating out from these top-notch singers and musicians. These are people doing what they loved and living life to the full.

I was also struck by how the two different versions of this song spanned the whole of my musical life. From my days as a jazz musician and numerous recording sessions, to my years as a classical musician playing as much chamber music as orchestra jobs.

I feel fortunate to have benefited from such a wide range of musical experiences and from playing with so many wonderful musicians over the years.

Posted on

Lift Every Voice and Sing (part 1)

I started a completely different blog post earlier today; musical, but lighthearted and somewhat silly. I hope to share it another time, but today’s post was hijacked by a couple of absolutely unexpected videos which brought me right back to issues of race and identity.

For many years I’ve loved “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, so I was immediately interested when the title popped up as I was browsing various virtual orchestra videos. My first thought was that it would be a virtual choir rendition. Well. I’m just going to let you listen before I say any more…

Okay, so this blew me away on a number of levels. First of all, the musicality alone is absolutely stunning. It is by far the most accomplished remotely-recorded performance I’ve heard yet.

Secondly, it brought home to me just how far removed I am from the classical music scene. I was almost entirely unaware of the changes that have taken place in the last twenty years. I mean, the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic is black and I had no idea! That is HUGE! Also principal clarinet in Phoenix, principal flute in Seattle, principal bassoon in Atlanta, and principal oboe in Nashville — all black! Wow.

Finally, the musical artistry, historical imagery, and photos of highly accomplished black people come together to create an amazingly empowering statement.

I’ll share the other “unexpected” video tomorrow; this is quite long enough for tonight!