Performed by the Shakers n’ Bakers
ShareWith Jeff Lederer (sax), Mary LaRose and Miles Griffith (vocals), Jamie Saft (keyboards), Chris Lightcap (bass) and Allison Miller (drums)
The Shaker vision songs—considered originally a gift from divine sources—are re-imagined in forms that cross the boundaries of free jazz, minimalism, calypso and pop by an ensemble of musicians who are leading lights in New York's improvisation scene.
The Shakers n' Bakers are a New York based ensemble that performs reinterpretations of Shaker "Vision" songs, received in states of inspiration by young women of the Shaker religious community during the years 1837-50. These "vision" or "gift" songs were considered to be received directly from divine sources ranging from African and Native American spirits to historical figures such as Mother Ann Lee (founder of the movement ), Christopher Columbus and George Washington. Some of the texts for the songs are in English while others are in unique languages of inspiration. The group is led by saxophonist Jeff Lederer who transcribed many of these songs from manuscripts found in Shaker archives and reimagined them in forms crossing the boundaries of free jazz, minimalism, calypso and pop. Lederer will give a brief pre-concert introduction to the Shaker Vision songs.
