George Colligan and the Phillis Wheatley Project "Ode to Neptune"

George Colligan and the Phyllis Wheatley Project
George Colligan piano
Zyanna Melada vocal
Noah Simpson trumpet
Garrett Baxter bass
Dominick Branch drums
Phyllis Wheatley was born in 1853 in what is now considered Senegal. She was the first published African American poet in the United States. She was kidnapped and sold into slavery. As a slave, she learned reading and learned many languages other than English. She proved to be a talented writer. Her book of poems, Poems On Various Subjects, Religious and Moral was a smash hit in 1773. She became a celebrity and was freed from slavery. Sadly, she died young in 1784 at age 31.
Her poetry is considered ground-breaking and important. Her writing is surely in the style of the 18th century. It's more biblical or Shakespearean than Maya Angelou. Her words are powerful and evocative. I've put some other poetry to music but never anything like this. Let's see what happens!
I have used her words to make music. Her words are powerful and evocative. I've put some other poetry to music but never anything like this. The rhythm in the words is so strong that I thought that it kind of wrote itself. I'm looking forward to seeing how these young musicians interpret the music.
This was made possible by a faculty development grant from Portland State University, where I am a full professor in the School of Music and Theater in the College of the Arts.

[@Jamaicafunk]

Hey George. Good to see you post again. 🎹👍