Okpebholo’s Songs in Flight “Hits you in the Heart”

In February, Cedille released composer Shawn Okpebholo’s Songs in Flight, an album featuring world-premiere recordings of his complete song cycle for which the album is named, along with four additional art songs, one from each of his other song cycles. Serving as Producer on the album, Shawn assembled an all-star cast of collaborators, including three Grammy Award-winners: multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Rhiannon Giddens, baritone Will Liverman, and soprano Karen Slack; Grammy nominees countertenor Reginald Mobley and pianist Paul Sánchez; and saxophonist Julian Velasco, winner of Cedille’s inaugural Emerging Artist Competition in 2021.

Drawing inspiration from the Freedom on the Move database of advertisements for runaway enslaved individuals, Songs in Flight explores their untold stories over 12 songs with texts by poets Tsitsi Jaji, Crystal Simone Smith, and Tyehimba Jess. The work incorporates multiple styles including spirituals, folk tunes, elegies, and protest songs, each song offering a unique historical narrative packed with emotional depth.

Honoring the resilience of these unknown historical figures while recognizing modernday examples of racial injustice, including references to Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin, Okpebholo’s work reclaims the humanity and voice of these people, making their lives and struggles resonate through this intricate, soulful collection of songs.

Songs in Flight has already received glowing critical reviews. BBC Music Magazine gave the album Editor’s Choral & Song Choice recognition with a double 5-star rating, saying: “This outstanding new song cycle by Shawn E Okpebholo offers a painful but vibrant tribute to those who suffered at the hands of North American enslavers… Never sentimental and sometimes forceful, Okpebholo’s imaginative score often simmers with sharp dissonance but also draws on elements of folk, lullaby, protest song and spiritual.” In a new release write-up, WFMT’s LaRob K. Rafael declares Songs in Flight “A powerful listen. The album hits you in the heart with forgotten stories of enslaved individuals brought to life by a stacked lineup of talent.”

Okpebholo says of the release:

Songs in Flight was made possible by the generous support of an Anonymous donor; the Robert and Isabelle Bass Foundation, Inc.; the Aaron Copland Fund for Music; Wheaton College Aldeen and Global Research Grants; and the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Fund for Vocal Recordings at Cedille Records, with additional support from Queta and Ron Bauer, Linda and Owen Youngman, Dave Miller, and Maria and Peter Lagios.