Tenor saxophonist Denys Baptiste's four-part suite Let Freedom Ring! pays a musical tribute to the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I Have s Dream" speech upon its 40th anniversary. Ben Okri has a few spoken word sections where he reads excerpts from his poem "Mental Fight," the 11-piece band creates some emotional ensembles worthy of Charles Mingus, and Denys Baptiste takes several memorable and sometimes ferocious solos. It all holds together pretty well, building up to a climax of hope for a better day. The message is worthy and, most importantly for the consumer, the music is well played, passionate, and inventive. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
I Have a Dream
Denys Baptiste
Denys Baptiste
(16:05)
With This Faith
Denys Baptiste
Denys Baptiste
(8:33)
Let Freedom Ring!
Denys Baptiste
Denys Baptiste
(12:36)
Free at Last!
Denys Baptiste
Denys Baptiste
(9:15)
Credits
René Burri (Photography), Nathaniel Facey (Sax (Alto)), Ray Staff (Mastering), Gary Crosby & Friend (Double Bass), Satin Singh (Percussion), Andy McCormack (Piano), Abram Wilson (Trumpet), Jason Yarde (Producer), Trevor Mires (Trombone), Bruce Davidson (Photography), Omar Püente (Violin), Denys Baptiste (Liner Notes), Rodney Youngs (Drums), Bruno Barbey (Photography), Denys Baptiste (Musical Direction), David Alan Harvey (Photography), Rick Guest (Photography), Denys Baptiste (Associate Producer), Janine Irons (Executive Producer), Tony Platt (Engineer), Jenny Adejayan (Cello), Kevin Le Gendre (Liner Notes), Jason Yarde (Musical Direction), Denys Baptiste (Sax (Tenor)), Ian Berry (Photography), Robin Banerjee (Guitar)
