Psalms of Baltimore
Psalms of Baltimore
This is a project that stems from research into the African American migratory paths from North Carolina and Virginia into Baltimore Md. in search of better economic opportunity and work. It was through inspiration of starting research in 2018 initially with my own family lineage maternally and paternally; I discovered the wealth of folk music (steel guitar) and visual art that was brought with them specifically from the Appalachian regions.
Currently I am researching the migratory paths of African Americans whom travelled to Baltimore Maryland pre and post emancipation proclamation. Some of the first settlements in Baltimore begin in what we know today as Port Covington -South Baltimore stretching into Leadenhall and Sharp streets. On the Eastside of Baltimore, communities were formed in lower fells point area.
Psalms of Baltimore would be presented in a music performance of an ensemble of 16 artist local and nationally known . It will consist of a five-movement suite composed to a timeline of the African American infrastructure in Baltimore city from 1797- present.
After performance there would be a panel discussion with Q/A led by Nicoletta Darita De La Brown along with composer .
Primarily my goal would be to present this project in the Fall of 2022 in a theater setting where the audience can absorb a surround and surreal experience.
I would like to utilize Vox Theater or Creative Alliance contingent upon their availibility to facilitate public viewing and attendance.
Public viewing as we know is contingent due to our current state of Covid-19 and CDC regulations. If public performance is not applicable, the next stage would be to do a live stream of performance with panel discussion via online platform.
With 20 years in my career and currently working in multidisciplinary structures outside of traditional music structures, I feel this is the right time in my career to present this project and see it come to fruition.
As a proud native of Baltimore City I would like to present this project as a dedication and sound healing to counter the negative social political light which shadows this city. I want to honor and present the rich cultural African American legacy of the everyday life in Baltimore city, past to present through the lens of this project entitled, “Psalms of Baltimore”.
http://downbeat.com/news/detail/jamal-moore-of-organix-trio-surveys