The Music

clovice@clovicelewis.comI started Harlem Voices by writing a comprehensive biography of all the main characters and a detailed outline. To date, I have written the entire book (the play part). My plan is to finish composing the remaining musical numbers by the end of 2019. I have been in preliminary discussions with members of the Ubuntu Theater Project in Oakland, CA to review the draft and help me finalize the piece for presentation. The music on this page is only the vocal numbers, and are representative of the pieces that have been composed to date. Note that many of these pieces have not been recorded with voice. In these recordings The English Horn represents Soprano and Alto voices, while the Bassoon represents Tenor, Baritone, and Bass voices. Please contact Clovice if you are interested in learning and recording these songs.

If I Had A Way

"If I Had a Way" is sung by "Belle" Carter, the female lead, at the end of Act 1, Scene 10. She declares her love for Andrés Fontenot and laments that her job would be at risk if she were to have a relationship with him.

My dear friend, Dawn Troupe-Masi, sang this version of "If I Had A Way" early on a Sunday morning in July when she was not warmed up and barely awake. She was just learning the song and I promised her I'd never let anyone hear it. Well, Dawn, please forgive me... you did an amazing job and I hope we can do a "real" recording soon!

Jasmine Byerley sings "If I Had a Way" at the "Me and My Cello" concert at the Soper-Resse theater in Lakeport, CA on April 13, 2018.

The Night They Burned Rosewood

"The Night They Burned Rosewood" is sung by "Belle" Carter, the female lead, at Act 1, Scene 3. She and her brother, Evan, are talking to their aunt Agnes when she asks Belle, "What was it like... having to leave everything you've ever known back there in Rosewood?" Belle stands from the couch where she was sitting and walks to the window. She looks out for a while onto the street, then turns around to face Agnes and Evan, and sings.

This is a Terrible World

"This is a Terrible World" is sung by "Belle" and Evan Carter in Act 1, Scene 2. Their mother, sister, and uncle have all been killed by the KKK. Evan has been fending off the Klansmen gathered outside of their house with a Winchester rifle. As darkness falls Belle and ten children are about to escape under Evan's cover fire.

Jack's Not So Bad

Jack "Boot" O'Reilly, the racist, misogynist, homophobic, sociopath manager of the BJC sings "Jack's Not So Bad. He is, indeed, a very bad man... but doesn't think so. In this solo from Act 1, Scene 6 he explains to himself why he's really just like every other man. He had just had a conversation with Belle and was feeling really good about himself, and his prospects with her.

Secret Sauce

"Secret Sauce" is sung by Maurice Siwel (Music Director for the BJC) and Belle in Act 1 Scene 7. Maurice, a total music nerd, is enthralled by Belle. In this scene he sweetly explains to her how and why he uses the Viola to enhance her overtones in the musical compositions he produces for her. He calls it his "Secret Sauce". Belle is bemused by Maurice.

I've Fallen Hard For You

"I've Fallen Hard For You" is sung by "Belle" Carter in Act 1, Scene 4 as her audition song for Maurice Sewil. Sewil is the musical director and composer/arranger for the Black Jay Club. He had Belle sight read "I've Fallen Hard For You" after having just written it a few days before. Keely Humphreys sings in this recording.

Race

Susan, the bi-racial dancer who is in love with Belle, sings "Race" with the chorus after Jack "Boots" O'Reilly calls the performers at the BJC "crows".

The New Negro

Billy "Kid" Anderson sings "The New Negro" in Act 1 Scene 7. The young stage hand at the BJC, sings this to explain to Susan Wright how he strives to emulate his heroes, who represent "New", educated, competent Negroes who are as good as any white man.

Level the Field

"Level the Field" is sung in Act Two, Scene 1 by Samuel and Andrés. Samuel (the socialist bookkeeper and MC at the Black Jay Club), and Andrés (Belle's boyfriend) talk about their desire to create a union and give ownership of the club to the workers.

Talking Down

Samuel talks Evan down from his plan to avenge his friend Billy's death. "Talking Down" is a duet between Samuel and Evan in Act 2, Scene 4.

No Jazz... No Blues

"No Jazz... No Blues!" is the big rehearsal number on New Years eve in 1924. The BJC dancers and chorus sing and dance this number with Belle singing the soulful interruptions to the swinging upbeat chorus.

About My Intentions

"About My Intentions" is sung by Andrés in Act 2, Scene 6. Evan has discovered that Andrés is passing for white and has confronted him. Because he feels indebted to Andrés (who saved his life during WWI), Evan gives him time to tell Belle about his deceit. He asked Andrés about his intentions towards his sister.

Her Broken Heart

Andrés and Evan sing "Her Broken Heart" near the end of Act 2, Scene 8. Belle has broken up with Andrés. Evan asks him to hurry and make up with her because both he and Belle are miserable. Andrés admits that his arrogance caused him to lose Belle. He is resolved to win her back.

Someday

"Someday" is a duet that Belle and Andrés sing at the beginning of Act 2, Scene 7. They are outdoors in a park standing in front of a bench musing about a future where people are not defined by their race.

Jasmine Byerley sings "Someday" with Clovice at the "Me and My Cello" concert at the Soper-Resse theater in Lakeport, CA on April 13, 2018.

You're My Negro

"You're My Negro" is the last vocal number in "Harlem Voices", sung in Act 2, Scene 9. The police have raided the Black Jay Club. When an officer has handled Belle to harshly Andrés intervenes and announces to all that she is his girlfriend.