This two disc set brings together a wide collection of singers and musicians from all over the world, with sounds ranging from America to Mali. The theme is protesting over racism and presenting moral truth. Before getting into the music, the artists never get specific as to their source of moral truth, therefore the messages are more autobiographical than transcendent. Also, the album is selective in fighting against “injustice”, as there is no plea for the unborn black children (abortion), the use of the government to get women “married” to them and therefore stuck in one economic group, and the race hustlers like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, who make millions while keeping those they “represent” on the bottom rung of society.
That having been said, the music has some rich alto sax work by Immanuel Wilkins on the indie rocking “Praying” and thoughtful “Dancing”. Exotic West African sounds from the Sahel percolate on “Sango Bo” with earthy vocals and rap included. Tenor saxist Marcus Strickland brings his tenor sax to the chanting “Matter” led by vocalist Christie Dashiell, while bassist Ben Williams lays down a deep groove for Strickland, Wilkins, Michael King/key, Joel Ross/vib and vocalist Lydia Harrell for a soulful “Language of the Unheard”. Mavin Sewell’s resonant guitar is atmospheric on “Hero’s Journey” and Oliver Lake speaks a message of social issues on “Pre Existing Conditions”. The music is eclectic, modern and alluring, but the lyrics stand out for what is not said, as opposed to what is.