In this day of lockdowns, political tensions, COVID restrictions and political blame games, there seems to be a dearth of encouraging messages. Well, this album, put together by 29 different artist from 8 various countries, is attempting to put some hope and light on the topic. There are fourteen tunes that mix, meld and juxtapose elements of jazz, rap, reggae and orchestral music in a gloriously ecumenical way, but all pointing the heart to things above.
The financial goal of the album is to have all of the financial proceedings dedicated to “children and young adults living in extreme poverty” such as Ghetto Youth Foundation. The cause is worthwhile, and the music is just as encouraging and uplifting.
To give a hint of the inclusive attitude of the album, “Dreaming Miles” includes quotes from the famed trumpeter, snippets of the classic Kind of Blue album as well as some Middle Eastern harmonies arranged by Giuseppe Mazzamuto to work with Stefano De Donato’s snappy bass and Fabrizio Bosso’s rich trumpet. Pablo Nannucci gives a raspy Miles Davisy voice to the hip hopping “Ego” and the fun and festive New Orleans-ish “Cantabile 2.” There’s some festive Brazilian sounds on the calypso’d “Sea No Street” with Riccardo Onori’s guitar leading the way, while Kayo Bracey takes you on a trip to the dep south with some rap mixed with vintage R&B on “Ray Charles”. Exotic baglama, flute and deep funk are met with messages of freedom and salvation rapped out by Sonny King on “I Am King” while a Sunday morning choir and deep grooved organ roll down the aisles as Sonny King and Simona Bencini testify during “Good Things”. If you’re down in the dumps, Riccardo Onori’s Santana-ish guitar and Gipsy Kings lilt along with Cecy Santan’s lyrics with pull you out of the doldrums on “Un Amor Assim” and the one-two punch of King and Nannuci remind you to keep your head up and focused above on the synth-urban sounds of “Speak Life”.
One of the great things about music is that it can bring people together. This album does that and more and it brings us together to focus on things eternal.