Okpebholo: Songs in Flight (CD)

Songs in Flight features world premiere recordings of Shawn E. Okpebholo's complete song cycle for which the album is named, along with four additional art songs-one from each of his other song cycles - building upon the themes and messages of his work, performed by Grammy-winning and -nominated artists known for their dedication to cultural and historical music projects. Drawing inspiration from the Freedom on the Move database of advertisements for runaway enslaved individuals, Songs in Flight explores their untold stories over twelve songs with texts by poets Tsitsi Jaji, Crystal Simone Smith, and Tyehimba Jess. The work incorporates styles including spirituals, folk tunes, elegies, and protest songs, each song offering a unique historical narrative and emotional depth. A celebrated figure in contemporary classical music, Okpebholo has been described as "devastatingly beautiful" by The Washington Post. Songs in Flight continues his mission to create impactful, narrative-driven music, bringing new dimensions to historical stories. Performers include Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Rhiannon Giddens, celebrated for her work in reviving African American folk traditions; Grammy-winning baritone Will Liverman, praised as a "voice for this historic moment" (Washington Post); Grammy-nominated countertenor Reginald Mobley, renowned for his powerful interpretations across diverse repertoire; Karen Slack, acclaimed soprano with a "sizeable voice that captures vacillating emotions" (New York Times); and pianist Paul Sanchez, praised as "the ideal interpreter... performing with clear virtuosity" (Fanfare). Saxophonist Julian Velasco, winner of Cedille's inaugural Emerging Artist Competition, joins in two of the songs following the cycle. Honoring the resilience of historical figures while acknowledging modern-day struggles with racial injustice, including references to Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin, Okpebholo's work reclaims the humanity and voice of these people, making their lives and struggles resonate through this intricate, soulful collection of songs.