BLACKBIRD" BY JONNO LAMONT
Original Arrangement Ali Bishop, Aric G., Noah Sherman, and Jonno Lamont. Conducted by Jonno LaMont.
This song is a mash up of the popular song "Blackbird" by the Beatles, and the song "Blackbird" by Nina Simone. I find that this combination of song and lyrics, tells a very unique and different story. It tells of the inner conflict that exist within the life of a Black girl in America. She is being sold a narrative of being a victim, while simultaneously being made into one. (i.e. the bombing of the 16th st Baptist Church in Alabama.
TEAM
Where the Passion Begins
ALI BISHOP
Music Director
ARIC GUTNICK
Brass Leader/Arranger
NOAH SHERMAN
Composer/African Drum Leader
JONNO LAMONT
Composer/Libretist/Director/Producer
WHO IN THE CAST?
The Diasporic 20 Orchestra
BRASS
Aric G -Soprano/ Tenor Saxophone/Sarod
Lauren Reiy - Trumpet
Noah Hellman - Baritone Saxophone
OJ Mountain - Alto Saxophone
Joseph Smalls- Alto Saxophone
TJ Milan -Baritone Saxophone
STRINGS
Ali Bishop - Lead Guitar
Jason B. -Bass
Yedoye Travis -Bass
Charles - Bass/Guitar
Angela Graham - Guitar
Solomon - Viola?Djembe
Matthew - Piano
Jim Flynn -Harp/Flute
PERCUSSION
Noah Sherman - Djembe/Dun Dun/Bells
Mohammed Timi - Djembe
Kurton Harrison III - Dun Dun/ Trumpet
Lee Brew - Drums
Greg - Drums
VOCALS/CAST
Blakstar - Melchizedek
David Leon Morgan - Spirit of Death
Yvonne Thomas - Mother
Asiah - Starfish
DJ Santiago - Old man
Eunika - Blackbird/Little Girl
STAFF
Jason Compere - Animation, Set design, Director of Photography, Sound Design
Kassandra DeJesus - Creative Executive Assistant