Progessive jazz with poetic presentation.

7 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Free Jazz, SPOKEN WORD: Poetry



Details:
Jimmie Steward, Jr. is a multi-talented African American who has garnered numerous awards as a singer, songwriter, poet and author. He is known as "The Blackest Raven" for his courage is speaking out against the undesirable treatment of entertainers while he was featured with The Ravens Quartet in the 50's. During that period he wrote WONDER BOY, IF MY PILLOW COULD TALK, NIGHT OWL, STONE GROOVY THING, LISTEN FOOL, DO YOU THANK HIM, and hundreds more. His recent credits as a playwright include FREEDOM PRISON, MIND YOUR DAMN BUSINESS, and KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

I AM JAZZ, KNOW ME is a junction of Mr. Steward's journey toward his mission of multi-culturalism, which began at the age of six while singing in the children's choir at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida. This work is not only a business venture but also his mission to ensure that all children learn the unadulterated truth in order to improve and preserve the culture of a people. The theme of the work is based upon an opera written by Mr. Steward entitled THE LOVE OF JAZZARETH AND JAZZARENE. The opera sings of the deeper than deep love and devotion of an African man and African woman.

THE SUNDRINKERS reveals a deep love for his people and a fervent wish that all people are taught to know, understand and love each other.

I AM JAZZ, KNOW ME/THE SUNDRINKERS, Jimmie Stewards, Jr. narrates the anthology of people who have exposed their unique African culture through creativity, education, leadership and sports. He carries us from the early 20th century through the be-bop era of the 40's to the present. This work will continue to expose the genius of the following artists to the world at large. There are many other persons who deserve recognition for their commitment to the preservation of our African heritage but space did not permit their inclusion in this work.

COMEDY: RICHARD PRYOR, NIPSEY RUSSELL

EDUCATION: MARY McCLOUD BETHUNE

DANCE: ALVIN AILEY, HONI COLES, JUDITH JAMISON, OLETUNJI

MUSIC: MARIAN ANDERSON, EDDIE BEARFIELD, JOHN COLTRANE, MILES DAVIS, DEAN DIXON, BILLY ECKSTIN, DUKE ELLINGTON, AL HALL, BILLIE HOLIDAY, MAHALIA JACKSON, JAMES WELDON JOHNSON, ELLIS LARKINS, THELONIUS MONK, CHARLIE PARKER, BESSIE SMITH, ART TATUM, BILLY TAYLOR, CLARK TERRY

THE SUNDRINKERS is a compelling narration by Mr. Steward about the continent of Africa to those who do not know or have forgotten, their heritage. The music is spellbinding as he implores each of us to speak to the people, especially to the children, about their heritage.