This song is dedicated to our friend Mikey Anderson who sadly passed away 11/09/09, may he forever be in peace and may we always keep his memory close to our hearts.
It features my dear friend Hajj Haroon on vocals conveying how he feels about youth (he is in his seventies). I felt it was particularly relevant and profound given that Mikey passed away in his youth. The song was not recorded with Mikey in mind, it slowly but surely, piece by piece came together. Nothing was forced, it all seamlessly came together and when i added Hajji's vocals, that is when i knew that the song was for Mikey. This all took place in the time from when we heard the news of Mikey's passing until his funeral. I gave on a copy of the song to Mikey's parents, they gracefully received it.
Hajj Haroon is an outstanding and wonderful human being! As a Trombonist he has recorded for Prestige and Blue Note and has been an integral part in many Music and Art based movements over the years in the USA and has bore witness to many people and changes in the States. He has seen many cultural icons play live (Charlie Parker, John Coltrane) and played with many amazing artists such as Makanda Ken McIntyre, Ahmed Abdul Malik, Hakim Jami and of particular interest to me David Nelson an original member of the Last Poets. To find out more about Hajj Haroon and read his writings please visit his website:
mancebomosaic.com
The vocals were recorded in Cape Town 2008
released September 11, 2009