Imani Winds perform at Abyssinian Baptist Church
The Gateways Music Festival’s first performance in New York City, after its tour in Rochester, began with the Grammy Award nominated Imani Winds at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, an appropriate edifice, cultural stalwart of the African-American community since 1808. Known for performing relevant and culturally significant music, the group seemed quite comfortable in the space. Perhaps it was because they have played there often, and, one of the members is a congregant. But the seamless partnership was, for more profound reasons, a marriage of mindsets.
The evening began with an explanation of “Story-Telling”. A short story preceded each composition which, in the African tradition, teaches morality, resolutions of conflict, maintaining community values and the worshipping of God. The first story, “Cane,” began with a powerful African chant, by oboist, Toyin Spellman-Diaz. The composition had four movements and told the story of Coin, a former slave who was eventually able to buy her children’s freedom out of slavery.
The “Afro-Cuban Concerto” was lively in the tradition of African/Latin music. It utilized the familiar 6/8-time, clave rhythm. This was an extremely complex piece, like the others, but it afforded the audience a more foot-tapping or wanting-to-dance experience. The story behind this composition related to the former flutist of Imani Winds, Valerie Coleman, who was commissioned to create a work for wind quartet and orchestra. In the end, the contracting orchestra reneged on the project. Imani Winds, since 2001, has rearranged and adapted the work to include all the instruments of the orchestra. It was amazing!
Also featured in the program was the “Quartet #8, Op. 110” by Dmitri Shostakovich (arranged by Mark Popkin). Originally written for strings, the work tells of the strength of WWII victims and fascism. And finally, “Wapango”, a Mexican dance was rearranged to reflect Cuban dance rhythms, composed by Paquito D’Rivera, a Cuban-born jazz alto saxophonist and clarinetist.
It is difficult to adequately explain how I felt while sitting and listening to the smart and magnificently performed program in this glorious church and all its rich history. Abyssinian Baptist Church was built by Ethiopians and African-Americans to provide a safe space from racism and abuse found in other churches. The landmark church continues to serve as a culturally and politically woke haven for many. Now, I sat in meditation during this evening of storytelling. The virtuosity of the accomplished musicians was clear in every note delivered. The evening’s program featured Brandon Patrick George, flute; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe; Kevin Newton, French horn; Mark Dover, clarinet; and Monica Ellis, bassoonist and founding member of the Imani Winds quintet.
Perhaps equally important to the Gateways program is the dedicated effort in educating the audience through narration as much as by the music itself. By design, it builds a deeper appreciation for all, regardless of their cultural knowledge upon entering the concert. This concert offered a “meet and greet” that also felt appropriately Sunday service-like. At the gathering I saw the love given to each musician — there were many hugs, words of encouragement and laughter. One way or another, the attendees were left with a sense that we now knew each one of these artists very well. We had become family.
See our other reviews on the Gateways Music Festival.
- The Gateways Orchestra Brought Decades of Struggle to a Peak - May 9, 2022
- African-American Pianists at the Gateways Music Festival - April 27, 2022
- Imani Winds perform at Abyssinian Baptist Church - April 25, 2022