Recalling Robeson CD
For more than ten years since I started becoming recognised as a singer in North West England, people have asked me at concerts if I had done any recordings they could buy. They seemed disappointed when I answered in the negative, but the truth is I never considered myself quite good or worthy enough. I feel even less worthy now, to be recording songs sung long ago by my hero, Paul Robeson.
People have occasionally remarked that I reminded them of the great man. Whilst this is incredibly flattering, I know that I can only offer at best, a pale imitation of that glorious bass voice. Neither would I dare to even start comparing myself with that quintessential renaissance man - lawyer, intellectual, All-American sportsman, linguist, singer, actor, civil rights pioneer and so much more.
When I first read his biography, I was convinced that here was a man who was unfortunate enough to have been born a few decades ahead of his tim, and resolved to do what I could to revive his memory. My first ever full-length play, Call Mr Robeson, is the result of several years' work, and it seems fitting that my first ever recording should be songs from this play, which I hope will reach stage and screed one day. It is my fervent hope and belief that when that time comes, a new generation will find out about one of Africa's most remarkable descendants, and indeed one of the greates human beings of the last few generations.May they then be inspired to take up his mantle and elect to fight for freedom, and for justice.
Tayo Aluko
Liverpool, March 2007
- Deep River Trad. Arr. Harry T Burleigh
- Go Down Moses Trad. Arr. J Rosamond Johnson
- Songs My Mother Taught Me Anton Dvorak
- All Through The Night Trad.
- Scandalise My Name Harry T Burleigh
- The Old Folks at Home Stephen C Foster
- Joshua Fit de Battle ob Jericho Trad. Arr. Lawrence Brown
- Joe Hill Words: Alfred Hayes. Music: Earl Robinson
- The Pilgrim's Song Arr. G Ruthland Clapham
- Goin' Home Anton Dvorak
Call Mr Robeson: Winner, Angel Award for Artistic Excellence.
Nominee, Best Show.
Tayo Aluko: Winner, Best Male Performer.
Brighton Festival Fringe, May 2008.
