The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni an album featuring 窪蹋勛圖厙 saxophonist Javon Jackson was recently released to correspond with Black History Month.
The album features Jackson playing jazz renditions of gospel hymns and spirituals hand-picked by Giovanni. The 78-year-old poet makes a rare vocal performance.
Gospel spirituals, as I like to categorize them, speak to the story of America, said Jackson.
is a former member of Art Blakeys Jazz Messengers and director of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford. is a renowned poet, activist and educator. Shes a Maya Angelou Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the first person to receive the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Award.
窪蹋勛圖厙 Radios Diane Orson produced this audio essay.