Most of the music on this recording I originally conceived and composed between 2009-2011, as the score for a dance project, “Spirits Break to Freedom” that was a collaboration with dancer/ choreographer Germaine Ingram, and visual artist John Dowell. The piece was a multi-tiered exploration of the practice of slavery in our nation’s first “Presidents House”, that was located in Philadelphia’s Independence Square. I have added two vocal pieces that are based around the words and ideas of 2 of the 20/21 century’s greatest activist/philosophers- Daisaku Ikeda and El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcom X)

Background
Nine enslaved African-Americans served George and Martha Washington at the President’s House, America’s first White House, during Washington’s two terms as President. Ona “Oney” Judge was seamstress and body servant to Martha; Moll cared for Martha’s grandchildren from her first marriage; Hercules, an accomplished chef, headed the Washingtons’ busy kitchen; Austin (Ona’s half brother) served as a waiter, carriage footman and stable worker; Christopher Sheels was the President’s personal servant; Giles was a carriage worker and driver; Joe Richardson was a coach footman and stable worker; Paris was a stable worker; and Richmond (Hercules’ son) worked as a scullion and chimney sweep. Two escaped: Ona from Philadelphia to New Hampshire in 1796, and Hercules from Mount Vernon to parts unknown in 1997.
George Washington’s papers and actions reveal what one biographer called a “split personality” on the issue of slavery. He traded in slaves, but was averse to separating enslaved family members. He evaded Pennsylvania’s Gradual Abolition Law in order to deny the Nine their freedom, but allowed Hercules to keep the proceeds from sale of the surplus from the executive table, to stroll around town and attend theater performances on his own. Washington expressed his guilt over the conflict between slavery and his religious beliefs, but he signed the Fugitive Slave Law and tried to capture Ona Judge for years--- sometimes by unlawful means---after she escaped from the President’s House. He directed in his will that his slaves be freed, but only after Martha’s death.

This group of musicians is my idea of a “dream band”: some of my favorite performers in the world and most wonderful human beings. The collective resume includes the most important figures in 20th century music. I offer my deepest appreciation to Sumi, Diane, Ruth, Robin, Jaleel, Lee, Pheeroan, as well as Nancy, John Senior, and John Vanore.