The Music
Harlem Voices is emerging quickly from my mind. It is an absolute joy to create. Unlike other large projects I've taken on in the past, my desire this time is to concentrate on its completion and not worry about paying the bills while I do so. I started the project by writing a comprehensive biography of all the main characters and a detailed outline. To date, I have written ten scenes of Act 1, including two of the major solos for the lead female and incidental music. My plan is to finish the book while composing music that pops out along the way. Then I will circle back to finish incomplete libretto sketches and compose the remaining musical numbers. 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 representative of the pieces that have been composed to date.
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!
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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.
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.
Short BJC Intro
"Short BJC Intro" is the instrumental music played at the beginning of each set at the Black Jay Club.
New Years Underscore
"New Years Underscore" is the instrumental music played at the Black Jay Club during the New Year's party leading into 1925.
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.
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.
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