Trayvon Martin Suite (2015)
About
On February 27, 2012 while returning from an evening passage to the store Trayvon Martin was illegally targeted and followed. He was doing nothing wrong. The unjustified pursuit of this young man led to a nightmarish scene where the unarmed seventeen year old was shot and killed despite the fact that he had the legal right to stand his ground. This single act ended his life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Surely; this must be viewed as a crime against humanity. Similar crimes were committed against Amadau Diallo, Renisha McBride, Jordan Davis, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Ousmane Zongo, Timothy Stansbury, Akai Gurley and countless other African American men, woman and children, and yet justice has yet to be delivered to their memories, loved ones and communities.
The "Trayvon Martin Suite," Bill Cole's latest release with long-time collaborator Joseph Daley, pays homage to this victim, and all victims, of brutal racialized violence. This duo album was recorded at the University of Virginia on March 29, 2012 and released on Jodamusic Records in April of 2015.
Reviews
“These two pros return to the days of civil rights jazz in their tribute to Trayvon Martin and they know how to convey the anger and confusion the times bestow. Like prime period civil rights jazz, this isn't easy to listen to but it shows that listening in general is what's needed for any one that wants to seek a newer world.”
— MidwestRecords.com
“Each piece does a great job of capturing the spirit/vibe of what transpired that night and the mixed feelings we are all still dealing with due to too many other similar, continuing tragedies. This is an important, strong and immensely timely work that should be heard by many folks everywhere.”
— Downtown Music Gallery
“These two pros return to the days of civil rights jazz in their tribute to Trayvon Martin and they know how to convey the anger and confusion the times bestow. Like prime period civil rights jazz, this isn't easy to listen to but it shows that listening in general is what's needed for any one that wants to seek a newer world.”
— Chris Spector, Midwest Records
“This can be challenging music for some audiences, for some of the same reasons it is so rewarding: unusual instrumentation, focus on improvisation and the mastery of the players, which allows them an infinite freedom of expression. At once profound and accessible, this music rewards those who listen openly.”
— Anders Griffen, The New York City Jazz Record