专辑简介

“The Promised Land” is a presentation of the Postmodern Spiritual concept, a modern day rendering of the freedom song. Re-imagining and reviving the Negro spiritual by incorporating jazz sensibilities with soul and gospel music along with new compositions likened to its predecessor.

Featuring saxophonist Tyrone Birkett whose vivid compositions vary from the funk-driven epic “The Departure” to “The Struggle”, a modern re-creation of a slave’s sorrow song, the heartfelt ballad “Deep River”, impressionistic “Freedom Dreaming” and ending with the haunting “The Promise”. The selections together suggest a revitalizing of the classic “CTI” sound, blending of soulful sophistication, a rich chord palette and a curious usage of form.

The message of the music is translated through the lyrics and melody that can be described as “neo-folk” in its character underpinned at times by modernistic harmonic structure. Presented with a versatile and able cast of musicians, this recording promotes the notion of freedom in word and deed, style and substance.