SOUNDS OF HEALING - Sweet Honey in the Rock

a version of this first appeared on THE SOUL PITT website

“…I have always believed art is the conscience of the human soul and that artists have the responsibility not only to show life as it is but to show life as it should be. … Sweet Honey In The Rock has withstood the onslaught. She has been unprovoked by the 30 pieces of silver. Her songs lead us to the well of truth that nourishes the will and courage to stand strong. She is the keeper of the flame.”  – Harry Belafonte

This Saturday brings an opportunity to get your soul and spirit right the healing therapy known as Sweet Honey in the Rock in a 8 p.m. concert at the Byham Theatre.

Times have changed in the four decades in the existence of the seminal a cappella ensemble known as Sweet Honey in the Rock. Since her inception in 1973 as a quartet at a workshop at the D.C. Black Repertory Theater Company in Washington, 20-plus women have contributed to the evolution of this cultural phenomena.

They took their name from the first song they learned, “Sweet Honey in the Rock,” based on a Biblical psalm. “Sweet Honey speaks of a land that is so rich when you break the rocks open, honey flows.

Despite the changes in the cultural fabric that makes up America, SHIR has remained consistent due to its uniqueness. “The group has never been a part of the general music industry,” say Carol Maillard, an original SHIR member. “We haven't fit in any genre other than children’s music. Now with our new cd, we are in a wonderful category, JAZZ VOCAL. To me this recording really show cases the individuals in a brilliant way and also gives the listener the full flavor of the Sweet Honey group sound.”

One could say SHIR is the moral compass of inclusion that carries its message of empowerment and appreciation of all aspects of diversity in music. Under that global umbrella activism, empathy and tributes to grassroot struggles human rights, civil rights, equity, equality and freedom are the connective tissues that connects these musicians to their audience. SHIR’s journey has taken around the world several times, and the universality of their message is the fuel that feeds her.

“No, we didn't plan to be around for forty years. when we started we took whatever came our way and when a singer was ready to move on, she did and there are a new singer,” reflects Maillard. “We have had 24 women in this group. Some left and came back, some stayed a long time. Ysaye Barnwell just retired after 33 years of working with the group. Bernice departed at 30 years and I am sure she is surprised that we wanted to go forward and are still doing all we can to keep the group moving ahead.”

“It is not easy because we are not a top pop group nor a gospel group but we touch so many genres, so many flavors that it's hard not to feel Sweet Honey deep in your heart and want to hear more,” Maillard continued. “Each soloist brings her A game to each style rendered and what you experience rings true not only to the singer and the style but to the artist represented. Who else but Sweet Honey can do that, unapologetically?”

In a nod to the longevity of SHIR, I asked Maillard how she would describe the group to a time  traveller. “Think of a sound that touches you to the core, a melody that is ancient but helps keep your feet planted firmly in the present. It steels you to be ready to face the future,give strength and ammunition to move into the future. It is ancestral, alive, vibrant and soulful. It is truth in sound, honest and pure.”

The current line-up comprises Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, and Shirley Childress (an ASL sign language interpreter). Sweet Honey is also featuring some special guests for select dates, including bassist Parker McAllister, who is featured on the group’s current CD  and vocalist Navasha Daya Hill.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the soulful a capella ensemble, SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK®, at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday, November 9, 2013, at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices start at $25. For tickets and information, visit www.TrustArts.org, call (412) 456-6666, or in person: Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue.  This event is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series.