Hannibal Lokumbe's new suite

The trumpeter and composer Hannibal Lokumbe (formerly known as Hannibal Marvin Peterson) premiered his new suite "Because I Love You: A Musical Poem for Oretha Castle Haley" in New Orleans, as Theodore P. Mahne reports ( New Orleans Times-Picayune ). The composition in five movements is an homage to one of the leaders of the civil rights movement, but also a reflection about the movement's significance today and about the situation of the city of New Orleans these days. Lokumbe, Pianist Jesse McBride, bassist David Pulphus, drummer Adonis Rose and percussionist Uganda Roberts were supported by the choir Voices of New Orleans directed by Rev. Lois Dejean.