Shelby, Marcus Orchestra / Soul Of The Movement: Meditations On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2011-01-16 Pull Date: 2011-03-20 Charts: Jazz
Week Ending: Mar 13 Feb 27 Feb 20 Feb 13 Feb 6 Jan 30 Jan 23
Airplays: 1 2 2 1 1 3 3

Recent Airplay
1. Feb 18, 2022: Traditions
There Is A Balm In Gilead
4. Apr 26, 2013: No Cover, No Minimum
Memphis (I Am A Man)
2. Jan 05, 2018: Traditions
We Shall Overcome
5. Sep 18, 2012: Sunshine . . . in the Afternoon (end of Summer!)
We're A Winner
3. Mar 20, 2015: Rebop
Trouble On The Bus (Freedom Rides)
6. Mar 09, 2012: No Cover, No Minimum
Memphis (I Am A Man)

Album Review
Fo
Reviewed 2011-01-15
MARCUS SHELBY ORCH.: Soul of the Movement
Porto Franco, 2010

MODERN BIG BAND – S.F. bassist/composer Shelby continues his string of large-scale works based on African-American history. This time the focus is the civil rights struggle of the 1950s/60s, and the music includes both original tunes and reinterpretations of spirituals that were anthemic to the movement. Shelby’s 15-piece big band is bolstered by 3 of the Bay Area’s finest vocalists (Faye Carol, Kenny Washington, Jeannine Anderson) for a strong gospel-jazz flavor. As with Shelby’s other major works, the vibe here is essentially late-period Ellingtonian, mixed with elements of Marsalis, Mingus and soul music.

Fo’s Picks: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12

1. 2:04 – slow spiritual, focusing on Jeannine Anderson’s rich soprano
2. 6:44 – swinging spiritual, upbeat sax dialogue and scat vocal duet
3. 5:31 – brooding, poignant elegy: lovely composition, strong ensemble work
4. 7:17 – light swinging vocal with a nicely retro feel, bright solos & scat break
5. 8:32 – Mingus tune, intricate arrangement sprawls across the orchestra
6. 2:59 – heartfelt anthem, slow and reverent, focus on vocal harmony
7. 7:03 – striding groove for the Freedom Riders, cool horn work here
8. 11:34 – big & episodic: speedy pulse w/strong trumpet, then a slow, bluesy moan; sax builds it back up before a broad swing at the end
9. 3:37 – swinging gospel riff, gripping vocal harmony & cool sax
10. 4:17 – funky Curtis Mayfield tune, sassy Faye Carol vocal
11. 8:06 – bass-heavy stride with gliding break, excellent sax & drums
12. 6:37 – fabulous, powerful gospel: just vocal duet + piano + sax

[ Fo ] 01/15/11

Track Listing
1. There Is A Balm In Gilead   7. Trouble On The Bus (Freedom Rides)
2. Amen   8. Birmingham (Project C)
3. Emmitt Till (Bobo)   9. Go Tell It On The Mountain
4. Black Cab   10. We're A Winner
5. Fables Of Faubus   11. Memphis (I Am A Man)
6. We Shall Overcome   12. Take My Hand Precious Lord