Tyrone Birkett & Emancipation - Postmodern Spirituals: The Promised Land (2014)

“The Promised Land” is a presentation of the Postmodern Spiritual concept, a modern day rendering of the freedom song. Re-imagining and reviving the Negro spiritual by incorporating jazz sensibilities with soul and gospel music along with new compositions.

Featuring saxophonist Tyrone Birkett whose vivid compositions vary from the funk-driven epic “The Departure” to “The Struggle”, a modern re-creation of a slave’s sorrow song, the heartfelt ballad “Deep River”, impressionistic “Freedom Dreaming” and ending with the haunting “The Promise”. The selections together suggest a revitalizing of the classic “CTI” sound, blending of soulful sophistication, a rich chord palette and a curious usage of form.
The message of the music is translated through the lyrics and melody that can be described as “neo-folk” in its character underpinned at times by modernistic harmonic structure. Presented with a versatile and able cast of musicians, this recording promotes the notion of freedom in word and deed, style and substance.