We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

10​,​000 Ships

from Pan Africa by Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    This is a limited edition compact disk with a full color 16-page insert booklet containing photos from the recording session and liner notes written by Dr. Theodore W. Burgh

    Includes unlimited streaming of Pan Africa via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 2 days
    edition of 300 

      $20 USD or more 

     

about

The title of this piece immediately conjures images from slave ship journals and chilling stories of the thousands of Africans packed in dark, cramped hulls—shackled to one another, unable to move, lying in their own waste, being fed just enough to sustain them on these horrific, unwanted voyages.

In 10,000 Ships, composer Rob Dixon opens the song with serious, somber energy. Obasi Akoto provides a bewitching bass line, accented by Sumbry’s cymbal work. George Caldwell then paints the musical canvas with warm, mysterious chords. The horns follow, laying a haunting, harmonized melody on top. Akoto drives the B part of the melody, which is an excellent complement to the A section. Dixon introduces a playful solo that grows exponentially, taking us with him to a wonderful climax. Just as Dixon brings us back, D. Gardner picks up, sending us soaring into the stratosphere. Eventually, he returns us to the initial groove.

As we catch our breath, Sumbry offers a tasteful solo that emulates the tumultuous waves of the sea the ancestors torturously endured for countless months. After the group repeats the melody, all three horns take turns blowing intensely over the repeated B section striving for a zenith, ultimately exhaling to end the song.

The group gives voice to the captured Africans and their horrific visions of ships carrying their stolen lineages to another world. Dixon’s composition reminds us that these were not slaves on these ships. They were snatched from their lives. Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, artisans, chiefs, and queens wedged into a space not meant for humans en route to an imprisoned life. This artistic endeavour moves beyond words to remind us to never forget the cruelties that happened upon these ships.

credits

from Pan Africa, track released January 13, 2023
Derrick Gardner - Trumpet
Vincent Gardner - Trombone
Robert Dixon - Alto & Tenor Saxophone
George Caldwell - Piano
Obasi Akoto - Bass
Kweku Sumbry - Drums & African Percussion

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Derrick Gardner image

Derrick Gardner Chicago, Illinois

contact / help

Contact Derrick Gardner

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Derrick Gardner, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now