Of the many projects
Hendricks has been involved in, this is his crowning glory. It toured the country as a stage production, depicting the history of African-American roots music, from spirituals and field hollers to blues, gospel, and jazz.
Hendricks recites signposts of the musical progression in rhyme, and singing here and there.
Pony Poindexter plays a little tenor sax and talks about New Orleans, while
Ike Isaacs' trio backs the singers. An intro by
Hendricks postulates that adults "have their minds made up, don't confuse 'em with facts" and refers to musicians as "metaphysicians." This is one of several pieces where the chorus hums while
Hendricks tells his tale. African drums, serving as a call-and-response device, inform "Amo." A slave story told in a
Harry Belafonte style by
Hendricks accents "Some Stopped on De Way," while a spiritual rap precedes "Swing Low Sweet Chariot."
Big Miller digs into a personalized gospel blues, "If I Had My Share," and
Witherspoon belts "Please Send Me Someone to Love" like only he can. A highlight is
Miller's "Sufferin' Blues," followed by
Hendricks' field holler "Aw, Gal" and
Witherspoon's groovin' "C.C. (Circuit) Rider."
Poindexter returns on "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid," which includes references to jazz and
Lester Young. The program ends with
Witherspoon's brilliant rendition of
Big Bill Broonzy's "Sun Gonna Shine,"
Hendricks' downtrodden take on "W.P.A. Blues," and
Big Miller's turn on "Motherless Child." If you'd like to get your children -- or uninformed grown-ups -- a quick, painless, enjoyable lesson in the last 100+ years of our American classical heritage, this is a perfect primer.