From a press release:“Nearing its fourth decade, the internationally acclaimed, award-winning female African-American a cappella group Sweet Honey In The Rock was ready to follow its adventurous spirit and undertake a new challenge – to honor some of the seminal songs that first inspired its unique blend of folk, blues, jazz, gospel and ethnic music in a concert presentation utilizing an instrumental backing trio for the first time.
“Upping the ante, the singers decided to perform this special program at New York ’s prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center
“In the opening moments of Sweet Honey In The Rock’s new 2-CD set, Sweet Honey in the Rock: A Tribute – Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center, released on February 26 by Appleseed Recordings, concluding Black History Month and preceding Women’s History Month in March – group member Ysaye Barnwell recites a roll-call of some of the great female African-American vocalists whose songs helped shape the group and comprise much of Tribute’s repertoire, including Abbey Lincoln, Odetta, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba, Carmen McRae, Bessie Smith, and Sarah Vaughan.”
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The album sample TBGB heard finds Sweet Honey In The Rock embracing their African traditional roots on “Sabumoya” and “See Line Woman,” where the beat moves to the rhythm of the ring shout. The ladies reprise Miriam Makeba’s playful dance song, “Pata Pata,” and then switch to classic blues with jazz harmonies on “Can’t Afford to Lose My Man.” If these songs are any indication of the rest of the project, fans and newbies alike will groove to two CDs worth of Sweet Honey at their eclectic best.
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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