Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble live in Rome 2006

We had a request from Yelizev for "jazz flute" so I thought that might be a good pretext for posting Nicole Mitchell on this blog (as if one is needed). Nicole Mitchell is a second-generation AACM member which will fit nicely with the former post of AACM founder Muhal Richard Abrams.

Here's an introduction to the BEE from her official web site (from where the above pic is taken): "Nicole Mitchell’s Black Earth Ensemble (BEE) is a musical celebration of the African American cultural legacy. Founded and directed in 1998 by creative flutist/composer Nicole Mitchell, BEE has performed in festivals and art venues throughout Europe and Canada and in New York and Chicago. BEE’s music embraces the ancient past and paints visions of a positive future. The music is the weaving of swing, blues, avante garde jazz, bebop, African rhythms, Eastern modes and Western classical sounds. The name “Black Earth” was chosen to honor the feminine source that our lives depend on—Mother Earth. The purpose of Black Earth Ensemble is to inspire the human spirit with thought-provoking beauty and to present a positive, healthy and culturally aware image of African Americans. As a woman-directed, co-ed, multi-generational group, it touches a range of emotional spaces rarely expressed in a “jazz” setting. Black Earth's message is intended for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. "

Basic info from uploader "survivor 69" on Dime:

NICOLE MITCHELL'S BLACK EARTH ENSEMBLE

live FM radio broadcast from "Le Labbra Nude" festival, Auditorium of Parco Della Musica, Roma (Italy), by "Il Cartellone - Radio Tre Suite Jazz", RAI, on friday 12 May 2006, 22:25 hours

Nicole Margaret Mitchell, flute, alto flute, piccolo, vocals;
Dee Alexander, vocals;
Ugochi, vocals;
David Boykin, tenor saxophones, clarinets;
David Young, trumpet, vocals;
Tony Herrera, trombone, shells;
Jeff Parker, guitar;
Josh Abrams, bass;
Isahia Spencer, drums (NOTE: in place of Hamid Drake).

+++tracklist+++++
01 Time For a Change [CUT, start missed] 2.07
02 Love Has No Boundaries 10.55
03 Woman's Body, Child's Mind 12.22
04 instrumental 10.50
05 For Daughters Of Young Love 2.59
06 Journey For The Three Blue Stones 8.43
07 Message From The Mothergoddess 5.45
08 Thanking The Universe For Our Path Together 12.29
-- encore break and radio announcements
09 Peaceful Village Town 7.48

running time : 73'58"

So, enjoy!