Project Created: “Black Lives Matter Movement”
Project Description: Luke Carlos O’Reilly, pianist and composer, along with collaborators Sanchel Brown, dancer and poet, and Pannan Hewitt, singer and lyricist, has created a suite of music dedicated to the Black Lives Matter Movement, and to those whose lives have been changed by incidents of racial brutality. Stemming from their own personal experiences and the experiences of others close to them, these three artists have created new original pieces expressing their thoughts and feelings though melodies, harmonies, movement, poetry and song lyrics.
Credits:
Artists
Luke Carlos O’Reilly: piano, keyboard
Sanchel Brown: movement, poetry
Pannan Hewitt: vocals, lyrics
Chris McBride: alto saxophone, horn arrangements
Lee Hogans: trumpet, flugelhorn
Matt Parrish: bass
Donald Edwards: drums
Black Lives Matter Movement
I. Black Lives Matter (O’Reilly)
II. Trayvon (Brown, Hewitt, O’Reilly)
III. Loss of Innocence (O’Reilly)
IV. Fight Song For Eric Garner (Brown, O’Reilly)
V. Runnin (Brown, O’Reilly)
VI. Amerikkka (O’Reilly)
VII. Song For The Mothers (Brown, Hewitt, O’Reilly)
VIII. Bluebird (Hewitt, O’Reilly)
IX. Lift Them Up (Brown, O’Reilly)
Words for the program:
Black Lives Matter. It is a movement that is not yet five years old, however, the stories and plight date back several generations. The members of this group are concerned about the mistreatment and brutalization of black and brown people due to their skin color. The movement leaders search for ways to end police officers presuming young black men and women to be guilty until proven innocent. They represent a whole nation of people looking to end the terror of authority figures and gun bearing vigilantes assuming the jobs of jury and executioner against innocent citizens of color.
With this suite of music, several stories are told and many lives are honored. Although only a few names appear in the program of the thousands of men and women who have recently lost their lives or lost their loved ones to an unjust system, all of those effected are ultimately represented in the music and movements. The music is meant to not only pay homage to, but to lift up those who are no longer with us. With the performance of these new works, we the composers hope to bring some comfort to those who feel unrest and to bring some unrest to those who feel comfortable. Thank You for being a part.