As D.C.-based ensemble The Archives gets closer to the premiere of their new album Carry Me Home. A Reggae Tribute Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, they are continuing to fuel our anticipation with visuals for "A Toast To The People," their recent collaboration with Raheem DeVaughn.
Taken from Gil Scott-Heron and keyboardist Brian Jackson's 1975 collaborative project, From South Africa to South Carolina, the original was a contemplative, piano-driven jazz ballad with a vivacious interlude. The Archives and DeVaughn infuse it with island vibes for a lovely reimagining. Yet, director Ali Zare keeps the visuals sparse with muted tones in reverence to the powerful message. Incorporating archival footage and photos of Black History giants is a nice touch – allowing the video to serve a dual purpose as a somber reflection of our past and steel-nerved hope for our future.
Produced by Thievery Corporation's Eric Hilton and The Archives' own Darryl "Trane" Burke, Carry Me Home. A Reggae Tribute Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson is scheduled for a May 27th release. In addition to artists like Puma Ptah, Mutabaruka, Addis Pablo and Kenyatta Hill, the album will also feature honoree, Brian Jackson. You can pre-order the album or simply download "A Toast to the People" for your current playlist.