'I was drawn to an approach of dealing with the history of slavery within one's family, the ownership of a name and it's 'rebranding' - reflecting on the American Slave and how Black Americans deal with creating a sense of pride, familial storytelling and lineage in contemporary America. This notion of 'rebranding' extends to the 'Negro Melody' My intent with these arrangements is to acknowledge the impact of those melodies on current popular culture, and reflect that influence onto the orchestral stage - to create moments where listeners may participate vocally, with movement, or rhythmically clapping along - to maintain a sense of belonging and recognition - to create community around this music in the classical concert hall - to embrace where all contemporary American Concert music extends from, in my belief - America's mother-music: the Blues.' - Curtis Stewart

Track List

1. Toussaint L'Ouverture
2. Ballade in D Minor for Violin ; Orchestra Op. 4
3. 3 Selections from 24 Negro Melodies~Deep River (America)
4. 3 Selections from 24 Negro Melodies~They Will Not Lend Me a Child (Southeast Africa)
5. 3 Selections from 24 Negro Melodies~The Angels Changed My Name (America)
6. Suite from 24 Negro Melodies~I'm Troubled in Mind (America) Op. 59 No. 14
7. Suite from 24 Negro Melodies~Intermezzo: Don't Be Weary Traveler (America) Op. 59 No. 12
8. Suite from 24 Negro Melodies~Scherzo: Ringendjé: Song of Conquest (South Africa) Op. 59 No. 5
9. Suite from 24 Negro Melodies~Lament: They Will Not Lend Me a Child (Southeast Africa) Op. 59 No. 4
10. Suite from 24 Negro Melodies~Finale (Alla marcia): Oloba (West Africa) Op. 59 No. 7