Freedom, Justice, and Hope is a powerful and thought-provoking album by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by the legendary Wynton Marsalis. Released on June 14, 2024, under Blue Engine Records, this album is a unique blend of Latin jazz, big band, and traditional jazz, spanning a total of 1 hour and 16 minutes.
The album is a creative collaboration with social justice activist Bryan Stevenson, founder of The Equal Justice Initiative. It features new arrangements of some of the most important protest songs in jazz history, alongside new works by emerging jazz musicians and composers Endea Owens and Josh Evans. The album includes tracks like "Elaine," inspired by the 1919 Elaine Massacre, and "Freedom Suite: Movement I," which delves into the pursuit of equality by Black Americans.
Originally performed in front of an empty house and webcast globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, this album captures the essence of a live performance, bringing the energy and passion of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to your home. The album is a testament to the power of music and spoken word in exploring and contextualizing the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
Freedom, Justice, and Hope is not just a collection of songs but a profound exploration of history and social issues through the lens of jazz. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music and social justice, and a celebration of the enduring legacy of jazz as a voice for change.
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