BLooM is a piece for two percussionists and a keyboardist who operates both a synthesizer and prerecorded electronic sounds.

Watch on YouTube HERE.

Wanting to highlight potent messages from the black community, the sounds include recorded poetry readings by authors Gwendolyn Brooks (We real cool) and Lucile Clifton (Won’t you celebrate with me), as well as extracts from George Washington Johnson’s 1890’s recording of The Laughing Song, early recordings from descendants of slaves, statements from recent student protests, and Zulu singers that I recorded during a visit to a Zulu village in South Africa. Shaped more or less as an arch, the first section, played by two marimbas, is optimistic and hopeful, but it is interrupted by a much darker synth-sounds middle section that reminds us of unresolved issues regarding equity and social justice. This middle episode erupts with a wild drum kit that drives a virtuosic marimba towards a bright resolution.

Gwendolyn Brooks, “We Real Cool,” recorded on May 3, 1983, as part of the Academy of American Poets reading series, held at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Used with permission of Academy of AmericaPoets.

Lucille Clifton, “won’t you celebrate with me,” read by Lucille Clifton. Part of the Poetry Everywhere project airing on public television. Produced by David Grubin Productions and WGBH Boston, in association with the Poetry Foundation. Filmed at the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival.

Watch on YouTube HERE.