Jazz Coalition Featured Series Pt. 2 Featuring Aaron Parks, Brandee Younger, & Benjamin Williams
Wednesday, November 17th, 2021
Public Records (233 Butler Street, Brooklyn)
7pm Doors/ 8pm Showtime
On November 17th, 2021 at Public Records, Jazz Coalition presents commission fund recipients Aaron Parks, Brandee Younger, and Benjamin Williams, performing their commission pieces for the first time in front of a live audience.
Aaron Parks “Returnings” Slow rotations, re-emergence, unhurried Ouroboros, the way out might just be the same as the way in.
"Returnings"
Immanuel Wilkins - alto saxophone,
Matt Brewer - bass,
Joe Dyson - drums
Brandee Younger “Unrest” Unrest is a piece that tells truth about our current moment of racial reckoning. The piece was composed with the backdrop of protests happening outside of my window here in Harlem after the murder of George Floyd. One thing is true for every person hearing this piece; we've all witnessed unrest as the nation grapples with its past and present - all in the midst of quarantine and major political change. In the piece, you will hear a deep, almost rumbling sound from the very beginning, a reflection of the bubbling systems at play beneath the surface of our country and the feelings of uncertainty and hesitation about what is to come. It's followed by an expressive lament section in the middle of the piece - a moment of reflection for the Black lives lost in 2020 and hope for the future. The piece ends again in protest, a mirror of the turbulent end of the year 2020.
Benjamin Williams, I’d Rather write a Love Song” The piece is entitled “I’d Rather Write a Love Song.” It was written during the pandemic (last year) around the time of the social uprising in the country during the summer after the killing of George Floyd. It expresses the desire to want to escape the harsh realities of being part of a targeted group and the longing to have the freedom to simply enjoy a life of love and happiness without the constant reminder of injustice. The piece cycles between darkness and romanticism.
All instruments, vocals, and production by Ben Williams