Sweet Honey in the Rock in Cleveland

Last night we got to breathe in Sweet Honey in the Rock air. Do I go on and on about it? Are there really any words? Imagine a lifetime of creative genius, and then multiply it by 6, and then let the whole synergy thing take hold, making it even more, and then add the audience who was invited to sing, and how do six women with only percussion instruments make such  big, powerful, moving sound? Each member, mesmerizing in their own way. No one trying to sound like anyone else, perfect blending of voices, colors, arms,hands, feet, drums.

Carol Maillard TORE IT UP in her solo moment. I hate to point one member out though because they all were just incredible. There was improvisational brilliance between Aisha Kahlil with her staccato dance moves and her haunting vocals, and the sign language interpreter Shirley Childress Saxton who is full on part of the act, not off to the side.

Ysaye Maria Barnwell’s presence is so strong, with her white hair and voice deep and smooth and rich like velvet.     

Nitanju Bolade Casel’s voice made you believe you were in Africa. She held a note longer than is humanly possible.

Louise Robinson’s comfort on stage was palpable. It felt like she was inviting us into her living room. Her singing and timing, inspiring.  

I have so much admiration and appreciation for them, for sharing their gifts with the world. Just knowing they exist makes me feel more brave.

Riley (dressed fancy) and Seth came with us and we brought two other sweet little girls. It was a wonderful evening.  

 Listen.

I don’t know how my mother walked her trouble down
I don’t know how my father stood his ground
I don’t know how my people survive slavery
I do remember, that’s why I believe

I don’t know how the rivers overflow their banks
I don’t know how the snow falls and covers the ground
I don’t know how the hurricane sweeps through the land
every now and then
Standing in a rainstorm, I believe

I don’t know how the angels woke me up this morning soon
I don’t know how the blood still runs through my veins
I don’t know how I rate to run another day
Standing in a rainstorm I believe

My God calls to me in the morning dew
The power of the universe knows my name
Gave me a song to sing and sent me on my way
I raise my voice for justice I believe

This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

7 Responses to Sweet Honey in the Rock in Cleveland

  1. kario says:

    Love these ladies! Love that you got to spend the evening with them.

  2. Amanda says:

    sounds great – would have been an evening to remember, no wonder you took the kids.

  3. naomi says:

    Beautiful! ” My God calls me in the morning dew.”
    They sound amazing! And I’m jealous of their wardrobe.

  4. amber says:

    Wow wow wow! THAT is just beautiful. So beautiful.

    🙂

  5. graceonline says:

    Sweet Honey in the Rock, for decades one of my favorites. Never had the privilege of seeing them live, but their music healed and opened my heart at a time it was hopelessly broken. May their voices ever peal across the land.

  6. Carrie Link says:

    I listened! I loved!

  7. Wanda says:

    I. Love. Sweet. Honey. They. Rock.

Comments are closed.