Since stepping away from his work with McCoy Tyner, bassist Avery Sharpe has amassed a catalogue of albums dedicated either to strong people (Harriet Tubman, Sister Rosetta Tharpe) or strong causes. This time around Sharp creates a rich tapestry of musical moods to capture the history of blacks in America since being brought here as slaves, with a musical dream of the future 100 years from now.
Along with Sharpe, Kevin Eubanks/g, Don Braden/ts-ss-fl, Ronnie Burrage/dr, Tendai Muparutsa/djembe, Duane Eubanks/tp-fh, Zacai Curtis/p, violinists Sophia Jeongyoon Han-Kevin Zhou and the Extended Family Choir take you from the first embarkment of Africans on “Arrival” with rich voices through the Harlem Renaissance of “Harlem and The War to End All Wars” along with swinging ragtime on “A New Music” all the way through “Blues and World War II.” The Civil Rights of the 50s and 60s are represented on “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” with a closing “500” taking the country beyond Barack Obama’s presidency. The music ranges from field hollers to Sunday spirituals, to hip funk, swing, bebop and post bop. All tie together the message like a Raphael tapestry, rich in colors and textures. A thrilling panorama, filled with history and hope.