Categories: Audrey Bernard,
June is Black Music Month and a time in which we celebrate the profound cultural and historical contributions of Black musicians to American and global music. One name synonymous with Black Music Excellence is legendary singer-songwriter Valerie Simpson who was recently named to The New York Times’ coveted 30 Greatest Living Songwriters list. In a powerful tribute during the month-long celebration Simpson partnered with acclaimed conductor, composer, pianist and visionary artist Damien Sneed and the Orchestra of Tomorrow for the live recording of “Revelation & Jubilation: A Symphony of Spirit” — a sweeping musical odyssey, interweaving African drumming, spirituals, and symphonic moments — at the historic Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street, New York).
The epic celebration followed on the heels of the enthusiastic reaction to the orchestra’s February world premiere at Carnegie Hall as part of United in Sound America. As creator, music director, and principal performing artist, Sneed, who has found a New York home in Town Hall over the years, stands at the center of this monumental work — guiding every musical and dramatic element with precision, depth and spiritual intention.
At the core of this magnificent evening was Sneed’s groundbreaking ensemble, the Orchestra of Tomorrow, whose dynamic artistry and genre-defying versatility served as the sonic foundation for the entire evening. Together, they delivered a richly layered program built around Sneed’s original compositions and masterful arrangements. Each element is thoughtfully curated and seamlessly connected through Sneed’s singular artistic vision, reflecting both the legacy and the evolving future of Black musical expression.
“Revelation and Jubilation: A Symphony of Spirit” unfolds as a sweeping and immersive journey — interweaving African drumming, spoken word, the spiritual, art songs and deeply expressive ballads with exhilarating rhythmic textures and soaring symphonic moments.
Bringing the titillating soulful sounds — deeply rooted in Black music — were an extraordinary roster of guests including Kim Burrell, Twinkie Clark, Jacqueline Echols-McCarley, Wynell Freeman, Gary McClellan, Phylicia Rashad, Juandolyn Stokes and Matthew Whitaker — each lending their distinctive voice to a unified and powerful artistic vision.
“I keep my eye and ear open to new songs and messages that uplift me. Damien Sneed impressed me recently with that newness I needed, and what we all need in this climate of dark times and uncertainty. His songs shouted out hope and inspiration! He had me on my feet and I just want to share that good feeling with you,” said Simpson.
“Revelation and Jubilation: A Symphony of Spirit” was conceived as more than a concert. It is a meditation on America at 250 — a nation still becoming — and an offering of sound, memory and meaning that asks us to listen deeply to who we have been, who we are and who we are called to be,” explained Sneed. “This live recording at Town Hall extends the reach of the work beyond the walls of this hall and into the broader cultural archive, becoming a document, a testimony and a resource for future generations.”
The jamming Orchestra of Tomorrow includes Ronald “CJ” Alexander, Sidney Antoine, Chenee Campbell, Marcelle Davies-Lashley, Jammal Graham, Anthony Hervey, Markita Knight, Amadou Kouyate, Stephanie Matthews, Joseph Miller, Anitra McKinney, Jeffery Miller, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Daniel “Flash” Revell, Linny Smith and Matia Washington. They slayed!
“In substance, artistry and execution, Damien Sneed’s work has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the highest levels of excellence in the legacy of African-American arts and culture,” said Wynton Marsalis, a Grammy Award winner and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. (Photos by Erwin “JT” Trollinger)
