Hazmat Modine

Metropolitan Klezmer

The Isle Of Klezbos

Black Rock Coalition

Bill Lee & The Natural Spiritual Orchestra

Ayn Sof Arkestra

Pam Fleming Quartet

CONCERT PICTURES photos by Chris Whitehead

Angela Johnson

Lisala

Imani Uzuri

Alkebulon

Portia Rolle

Mazz Swift

Tamar-kali

DAUGHTERS OF NINA SIMONE

TRIBUTE TO NINA SIMONE

Musical Director Tamar-kali

The Black Rock Coalition Orchestra presents one of its most captivating incarnations - the all-female tribute to the inimitable Nina Simone. Under the musical direction of composer Tamar-kali, this show was first performed in June 2003, mere weeks after the legendary singer's death. Seven years after her passing, and fresh off of a string of standing-room only shows in France, the Black Rock Coalition continues to celebrate Nina's legacy with performances that highlight Simone's unwavering influence on some of today's most dynamic musicians.

Existing as a performance entity since 1987, the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra (BRCO) is a collaboration of skilled progressive artists of color whose talents lend themselves to the musical re-interpretation of certain, historically significant bodies of work. Various line-ups have entertained audiences at Central Park SummerStage, Symphony Space, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Joe’s Pub, BAM Café, and Town Hall. The BRCO has also toured Europe, selling out most of the venues at which it has performed in recent years.

Nina Simone is Black rock. And with this rare presentation, the Black Rock Coalition happily sings her praises.

The Black Rock Coalition
The Black Rock Coalition was founded in 1985 by guitarist Vernon Reid, journalist Greg Tate and producer Konda Mason in reaction to the constrictions that the commercial music industry places on Black artists. A collective of artists, writers, producers, publicists, activists and music fans assembled to maximize exposure and provide resources for Black artists who defy convention. To date, the BRC is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to the complete creative freedom of Black artists.

Tamar-kali
Tamar-kali is a rare breed. David Bowie has come to see her play, as have Nona Hendryx and Me'Shell Ndegeocello. And scores of lesser known artists seek her out when they need inspiration for their own work. She established herself as a dominant force with a resonant voice on the NYC rock scene. But eventually, her strength as a woman in a male-dominated genre compelled her toward her own expression as a writer & composer. She has performed and produced events at Harlem Stage, Lincoln Center, Central Park, SummerStage, and Joe's Pub as well as festivals around the world. Tamar-kali's full length album, Black Bottom, will be released in 2010.

The all female ensemble, directed by Tamar-Kali, will feature:

Tamar-kali: Vocals, Musical Director
Angela Johnson: Piano, Vocals
Imani Uzuri: Vocals
Joi Gilliam: Vocals
Lisala Beatty: Vocals
Toli Nameless: Vocals
Portia Rolle: Guitar, Vocals
Pam Fleming: Trumpet
Jenny Hill:Tenor Saxophone
Lauren Sevian: Baritone Saxophone
Mazz Swift, Tarrah Reynolds : Violin, Vocals
Surai Balbeisi: Viola
Amali Premawardhana: Cello
Narjess Saad-Ellaoui: Percussion
Dawn Drake: Percussion
Tara Thierry: Bass
Lafrae Sci: Drums

"See-Line Woman"

See-line woman
She drink coffee
She drink tea
And then go home
See-line woman

See-line woman
Dressed in green
Wears silk stockings
With golden seams
See-line woman

See-line woman
Dressed in red
Make a man lose his head
See-line woman

See-line woman
Black dress on
For a thousand dollars
She wail and she moan
See-line woman

Wiggle wiggle
Turn like a cat
Wink at a man
And he wink back
Now child
See-line woman

Empty his pockets
And wreck his days
Make him love her
And she'll fly away

See-line woman
Take it on out now
Empty his pockets
And she wreck his days
And she make him love her
Then she sure fly away
She got a black dress on
For a thousand dollars
She wail and she moan ...

Lyrics by George Bass, Nina Simone

* * *

Upcoming Fall Tour - November 5 - November 12, 2010

The Black Rock Coalition Orchestra will be touring through France with a new project, Tribute to
Black Women Songwriters. Check the schedule to see if they will be coming somewhere close to you.

View Black Rock Coalition Orchestra - Falltour 2010 in a larger map.

* * *