Hannibal Lokumbe
Spiritual Soundscapes of Music, Life, and Liberation
Published on 5. November 2024
Book
Hardback
272 pages
978-0-231-21785-9 (ISBN)
Description
For Hannibal Lokumbe, music is a profound source of spiritual liberation. A pathbreaking orchestral composer and visionary jazz musician, he composes resonant works that give voice to the freedom struggle of the African diaspora, the broader African American experience, Indigenous histories, and humanity. Many of his works address historical traumas, such as the Middle Passage, the Vietnam War, global environmental disharmony, and targeted racial violence, and focus on major figures, including Medgar Evers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Dr. Kim Phuc Phan Th?, and Anne Frank. This innovative book demonstrates that Lokumbe's musical compositions, created in collaboration with his ancestors, are multisensorial spiritual soundscapes that aspire to chronicle, heal, and liberate.
This is a captivating, vital portrait and spiritual biography of Lokumbe. The cultural anthropologist Lauren Coyle Rosen draws on several years of close conversations with Lokumbe, as well as his journals, to provide a powerful collaborative account of his remarkable life and work. The authors explore Lokumbe's creative journeys and the spiritual dimensions of his art. They trace Lokumbe's entire career, from his early years in the Texas and New York City jazz scenes to his widely acclaimed orchestral compositions. The book also addresses Lokumbe's work in prisons and schools with the Music Liberation Orchestra, founded in the 1970s. Illuminating his philosophies of music, spirituality, justice, and freedom, this book immerses readers in Lokumbe's many revelatory worlds.
This is a captivating, vital portrait and spiritual biography of Lokumbe. The cultural anthropologist Lauren Coyle Rosen draws on several years of close conversations with Lokumbe, as well as his journals, to provide a powerful collaborative account of his remarkable life and work. The authors explore Lokumbe's creative journeys and the spiritual dimensions of his art. They trace Lokumbe's entire career, from his early years in the Texas and New York City jazz scenes to his widely acclaimed orchestral compositions. The book also addresses Lokumbe's work in prisons and schools with the Music Liberation Orchestra, founded in the 1970s. Illuminating his philosophies of music, spirituality, justice, and freedom, this book immerses readers in Lokumbe's many revelatory worlds.
Reviews / Votes
Holy. -- Sonia Sanchez, poet and author Hannibal Lokumbe: Spiritual Soundscapes of Music, Life, and Liberation is the beautifully written, inspiring, compelling, and transformative account of the living journey of a spiritually evolved human being. He (like I) has faced demons and realizes that in this existence there is no place for the burdens of fear or anger; only forgiveness and hope can sustain humanity. His iconic music testifies to that sentiment. Hannibal, thank you for it. -- Dr. Kim Phuc Phan Th?, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and "the girl in the picture" It's just plain outright powerful. -- Carole Haas Gravagno, philanthropist and advocate for peace and global well-being An instant classic. This book is a must-read for all ages and those who hunger for truth, understanding, and justice. It is a balm for the sin-sick soul and a testimony layered with musical, lyrical poeticism, and wisdom of the sages. The maladies of this American nation and conversely this world are provided a diagnosis by Hannibal on how to spark a communal resurrection for future generations to cure. -- Steve Prince, Muscarelle Museum of Art, William & Mary University Hannibal Lokumbe is quite an amazing entity! May this book go forth to inspire as does his music, and may he and his work live forever. -- Audrey N. Glickman, shofar player and author of <i>Pockets: The Problem with Society Is in Women's Clothing</i> This book is a treasure for anyone interested in the transformative power of music, the history of the African diaspora, and the ongoing struggle for justice and liberation. It is a powerful reminder that music can be more than just entertainment-it can be a pathway to understanding, healing, and profound social change. * Rock and Roll Highway *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Trade binding
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-231-21785-9 (9780231217859)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Lauren Coyle Rosen | Hannibal Lokumbe
Hannibal Lokumbe
Spiritual Soundscapes of Music, Life, and Liberation
E-Book
10/2024
1st Edition
Columbia University Press
€27.49
Available for download
Persons
Lauren Coyle Rosen is a cultural anthropologist, artist, and author of Fires of Gold, Law in Light, The Spirit of Ani (coauthored with Ani DiFranco), and seven volumes of poetry and art.
Hannibal Lokumbe is an award-winning composer, jazz musician, poet, author, and educator whose career spans over six decades. In addition to more than 150 musical compositions written and commissioned for orchestra and smaller ensembles, he has published three volumes of poetry: The Ripest of My Fruits, Love Poems to God, and Trilogy: Freedom Dance Cycle.
Hannibal Lokumbe is an award-winning composer, jazz musician, poet, author, and educator whose career spans over six decades. In addition to more than 150 musical compositions written and commissioned for orchestra and smaller ensembles, he has published three volumes of poetry: The Ripest of My Fruits, Love Poems to God, and Trilogy: Freedom Dance Cycle.
Content
Introduction: Musical Alchemy and Spiritual Liberation
1. The Passages of Youth in Texas
2. New York City and the Jazz Years
3. Composing the Spiritatorios
4. The Jonah People and Becoming the Work
5. The Music Liberation Orchestra in Prisons and Schools
Conclusion: "Pure Mind Has No Time"
Coda: The Living Temples
After Coda: "The Shadow," poem by Hannibal Lokumbe, 1976
Notes
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
1. The Passages of Youth in Texas
2. New York City and the Jazz Years
3. Composing the Spiritatorios
4. The Jonah People and Becoming the Work
5. The Music Liberation Orchestra in Prisons and Schools
Conclusion: "Pure Mind Has No Time"
Coda: The Living Temples
After Coda: "The Shadow," poem by Hannibal Lokumbe, 1976
Notes
Acknowledgments
Bibliography