Medicine – Live at The Black Academy of Arts & Letters

By Peggy Oliver
 

Let’s
face the facts about the state of the non-profit art institutions in
this day and age. The economy has hit this area hard as if most people
need to be reminded. But while this matter is becoming more of a
reality, everyone could still use a little music, dance or some form of
the arts to inspire and lift up our souls through troublesome times. The
Black Academy of Arts & Letters in Dallas, Texas was founded in
1977 by Curtis King; producing over one-hundred programs in theatre,
film, literary and other disciplines in African, African-American and
Caribbean culture. Through the years, regional and national talent
(Melba Moore, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Rance Allen, etc) have contributed
to TBAAL productions. In 1987, TBAAL raised funds via a live concert recording by Eartha Kitt entitled, My Way: Musical Tribute To Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  Now
with TBAAL in crucial need of keeping their programs afloat, many of
the Dallas region’s top voices and urban superstars Ann Nesby and Ruben
Studdard took over one fall night in 2010 for another live recording
fundraiser.

 

Medicine – Live at The Black Academy of Arts & Letters (TBAAL)
pools all these talents, especially one musician in particular– Sam
‘Shake’ Anderson — whom is the primary songwriting glue for Medicine. From soulful inspiration, to fiery praise and worship and commentary on the modern day church, Medicine covers
a lot of ground. Anderson’s warm and husky voice conveys believability
on “Believe” about putting faith and trust in God in full motion.
Anderson is joined by recording artist Taylor Pace and youth pastor
Lloyd Spence in a lively interaction on “Living Word.” In a bit of food
for thought, “PTYHOMP (Please Take Your Hand Out of My Pocket)” by
Andrea Wallace (Myron Butler & Levi) provides a tongue in cheek yet
interesting viewpoint regarding those oppressors that sometimes
infiltrate the church family. Saxophonist Joseph Vincelli and the
eighty-voice TBAAL choir sweeten the atmosphere with a jazz vibe for
“When God Sings Over You.” “Deeper Righteousness” features Rick James
(the former Star Search and Showtime at the Apollo performer) blazing
the worship platform with a jazzy touch. The ten minute “Bask in the
Presence of the Lord” showcases Brenda Ellis from T.D. Jakes’ The
Potter’s House demonstrating the tenacity of a fiery preacher and her
longevity for praise. Nesby has a natural ability to handle anything
within all urban genres; whether a soulful ballad, an funky dance jam or
leading one to the throne room for “What Would You Have Me Do.” Ruben
is right at home with his velvety baritone for two tracks. “Medicine for
Someone Else” echoes the sentiments of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get
Ready,” while “Teach Me To Love” is a always needed lesson in patience
and giving God the glory instead of self in the daily Christian walk.

 

While there is a lot of enjoyable celebratory pieces and power packed praise on Medicine – Live at TBAAL,
there are a couple of shortcomings. The biggest disappointment belongs
to the eighties’ R&B stars Yarbrough & Peoples’ clichéd ridden
performance of “Jump Till You Feel Something.” But overall, Medicine – Live at TBAAL
is a well-thought out, meaningful cause for raising awareness of this
non-profit institution who continues to bless the urban community —
historically and artistically — despite the economic obstacles.

 

Peggy Oliver

The Urban Music Scene