Justice – The Vocal Works of Oliver Lake

For years known as one of the greatest composers and bandleaders in the vanguard of jazz, Oliver Lake is stepping out with one of the most-unique recording projects of his 50-year career: Justice – The Vocal Works of Oliver Lake.

The Justice project represents Lake’s first work centered around his stellar compositions for voice. The selections vary: voices with quintet, a capella with poetry, voices with quintet and poetry, conduction. Among the highlights are Oliver reading his own poetry. The performances vary greatly in mood, sentiment, and timbre. The compositions, the poetry and performances are cries for love, justice, empathy, and progress, for a world in need of the same.

This recording is first foray into compositional work for voice from Oliver Lake. While being primarily known as a saxophonist and bandleader, Oliver’s truest gift is as a composer. His interest in recent years has shifted outside the sound of the saxophone – focusing more and more on the ability to harness the voice as an instrument.  

credits

release date June 10, 2022 

Kevobatala (Kevin Diehl): Drumkit, Bata Drums, Sensory Percussion 
Matt Engle: Acoustic Bass
Veronica Jurkiewicz: Violin 
Elliot Levin: Tenor Sax 
Jameka Gordon: Flute 
Shanon Chua: Soprano Voice
Chaela Harris: Alto Voice
Ravi Seenarine: Tenor Voice
Michael Ford: Baritone Voice

Produced by Aaron Levinson 
Co-Produced by Kevin Diehl
Recorded at large during COVID Summer 2020 
Mixed at Range Recording, Ardmore, PA 
Mix Engineer – Eric Scattareggia 
Vocal Editing Engineer: Michael Ford
Mastering – Carl Saff, Chicago 

LP & Cover Design: John Hubbard
LP Insert Design: Ade Fumi

Kevin Diehl plays Paiste Cymbals exclusively.