On Tuesday, June 2nd at 6 PM, WRTI presented a special live program addressing Black Music as a form of social engagement.
Josh Jackson, WRTI’s associate general manager for programming and content, was host and moderator with legendary Philadelphia/WRTI broadcaster Bob Perkins and pianist Orrin Evans.
Special guests included: Christian McBride, Ralph Peterson, Nicholas Payton, Lenora Helm Hammonds, NEA Jazz Master Reggie Workman, NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk, Hannibal Lokumbe, and more.
Highlights from the program:
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Bassist composer and arranger Christian McBride speaks with pianist Orrin Evans about empathy and "walking a mile in another person's shoes."
howmusicresponds_episode3.mp3
2020 NEA Jazz Master Reggie Workman solidifies that the music needs to get to the ears of the people. That's only ever been the mission, by any means necessary.
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WRTI's Bob Perkins thanks and acknowledges the North Philadelphia Black community.
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NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk shares her personal ties to George Floyd and how music responds. She also mentions her experiences in the Jazz industry, her reputation as “Mom” and the future of Jazz.
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Multi-Instrumentalist Nicholas Payton explains why "Jazz" should be called something else. Nick and Orrin Evans have important conversations about social justice and change.
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“As long as I’m looking at what my brother needs to do, or what my sister isn’t doing. I’m not taking care of what I need to do myself.” - Drummer Ralph Peterson
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Jazz vocalist Lenora Helm Hammonds chats on how music responds with pianist Orrin Evans and WRTI Associate General Manager Josh Jackson.
howmusicresponds_episode9.mp3
Jazz trumpeter and composer Hannibal Lokumbe shares powerful thoughts and words on how music responds. He chats with pianist Orrin Evans and WRTI Associate General Manager Josh Jackson.