Colleen Coleman-
Interested in hearing and learning about the connection between spirituality and Black American music? At 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the Björling Recital Hall, Carolyn Wilkins will be performing a solo jazz recital titled “Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit”. This recital relates to the conversation hosted under the same title with Gustavus Professor Phil Bryant, taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 18 in Christ Chapel at 7:00 p.m. The recital and following conversation will cover the many and various ways spirituality is expressed in African American music.
“Ms. Wilkins and Professor Bryant will tackle the daunting question of ‘what is the basic nature of spirituality in African American music and how does this spirit make its presence felt in all the multiple genres of Black American music?’” Canter of Christ Chapel, Dr. Chad Winterfeldt said. In addition to the recital and conversation, Wilkins will lead the Music and Message conversation during Chapel Break on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Christ Chapel, connecting the topics of music and spirituality. “We want to probe into the nuances of that very present spirituality that forms the very basis of African American musical expression, be it secular or sacred,” Bryant said.
Wilkins is a Professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. As well as her work at Berklee, Wilkins is an accomplished jazz pianist, composer, vocalist, and a published author. Wilkins is also a psychic medium and a certified Reiki Master.
The recital will feature many styles of music, such as Black spirituals, Black gospel music, blues, R&B, rock n’ roll, soul, jazz, classical, country, and hip-hop. “This 50-minute recital will feature a variety of material ranging from Black spiritual music to her own compositions and some pieces by Mary Lou Williams, Duke Ellington, and others,” Winterfeldt said. Wilkins has had many appearances in the international jazz scene, having had a concert tour of South America as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department, and also having concerts in Africa and Asia.
Wilkins collaborated with Bryant with his writing and her music to create “A Stompin’ Suite” in 2009. Bryant and Wilkins’ connection started young, having known each other since they were three. “She was one of the first people, outside of my immediate family, that I shared my first attempts at poetry with. At the tender age of 13 years old, both of us vowed we’d write an opera together,” Bryant said.
To those with a declared music major, this performance does count for colloquium credit. The colloquium music series is intended to broaden the scope of Gustavus students’ perception of music and to hear about experiences and musical styles beyond St. Peter. Music colloquiums take many different forms, according to Winterfeldt. “Different events have different approaches – sometimes there is a concert, while other times there is a discussion with a guest speaker about a particular topic,” Winterfeldt said.
“I’ve attended many colloquium concerts in the past, and I enjoy hearing different genres and perspectives of music,” First-year Music Education major Emily Jacobs said. Jacobs stated that she looks forward to seeing more colloquium concerts, including Wilkins’ recital, this fall.
While the recital counts towards a music major’s two required colloquia per semester, the benefits of attending go far beyond the music department. Anyone is able to attend, Gustavus student or not, even if you’re not a music major, and gain the benefits of understanding different cultures and encounters, or just to hear some good music! “The intent is to provide a forum where students can encounter topics and performances that will expand their worldview and range of musical experiences,” Winterfeldt stated.
If you’re looking to learn more about the connection between spirituality and Black American music, or just want to hear some amazing music, consider attending the “Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit” recital and discussion hosted by Carolyn Wilkins and Professor Phil Bryant, as well as the Music and Message conversation hosted by Wilkins.