Langston Hughes

Jazz interpretations of Langston Hughes’ poetry with Eric Mingus (voice), David Amram (piano) and Larry Simon (director, arranger, guitar), Groove Bacteria.

Langston Hughes (1902-67) was an American poet, novelist, social activist and playwright whose work showcased the dignity and beauty in ordinary black life. His African-American themes made him a primary contributor to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. The hours he spent in Harlem clubs affected his work, making him one of the innovators of “Jazz/Poetry.”

Hughes’ poetry is still powerful and contemporary today.

The Langston Hughes Project came from jazz guitarist Larry Simon, who is the founder of JazzMouth, unique festival in Portsmouth, New Hampshire that combines jazz and spontaneous music with readings by some of the finest poets.

Hughes’ texts are brought to life by the rich, soulful delivery of Eric Mingus, son of Charles Mingus. For some years he worked as a session musician and backing singer, playing on dates with artists such as Carla Bley, Bobby McFerrin and Karen Mantler. He has also performed with the Mingus Big Band, Elliott Sharp’s Terraplane, Todd Rundgren, Elvis Costello, Nick Cave, Catherine Sikora and Levon Helm, and a featured performer in many of Hal Willner’s projects.

Simon also brought David Amram, composer, conductor, multi-instrumentalist and author, to the project. As a classical composer and performer, his integration of jazz, folk and world music led him to work with Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Willie Nelson, Charles Mingus, Levon Helm and Betty Carter.

Weary Blues; The Dream Keeper; Neighbor; Daybreak in Alabama; Sylvester’s Dying Bed; Border Line; Reverie on the Harlem River; In Time of Silver Rain; Bound No’th Blues; Democracy; Ma Lord; Railroad Avenue; Life Is Fine