Requiem For Mary Turner
Soulville, 2025
8/10
Listen to Requiem For Mary Turner
The pianist/composer Bobby West pays tribute to Mary Turner, a young Black woman who was lynched in Georgia in 1918, which includes a 22-piece symphonic orchestra as he touches on many different genres.
The title track opens, and it’s 13 minutes with the orchestra that carries a heartfelt and booming presence, and “Spirit Move Sunrise” follows with a busy mashing of keys, winds and brass in a timeless jazz sort of way.
Closer to the middle, “Lovers Reflection On Still Water” showcases the pretty piano via a quick bout of elegance, while “A Scene From Sunday” blends piano and organ amid soulful and powerful singing that carries hints of gospel.
Landing near the end, the fuller delivery of “Spirit Move Sunset” welcomes firm drums, animated winds and dense horns into free jazz exploration, and “Funeral March Of The Uninvited” exits with marching band style drumming, dynamic brass, cautious key and an uplifting finish.
An effort that focuses on healing and unity, the songs serve as remembrance and resistance to Turner’s memory and span gospel, classical and jazz across unpredictable and exciting avenues.
Travels well with: James Moody- 80 Years Young: Live At The Blue Note March 26, 2005; Live Edge Trio- Closing Time