June 28, 2022

In May 2022, Brent White, Assistant Teaching Professor of Music, had the opportunity to record his third CD entitled code-switching, featuring new jazz arrangements of the music of Francis Johnson. Francis 'Frank' Johnson was a prolific world-traveling musician-composer of the early 19th century who performed for the Philadelphia elite, both black and white, including the founding fathers. The focus of the compositional research is to reimagine the influence of Afro-Caribbean rhythms on his music, which is missing from the lead sheets. The musical analysis is meant to showcase a lively celebration of his music—a dedication to rhythmic complexities not evident from the musical scores. This project was recently awarded in the Black Music City: Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, 2022.

The new music will be featured at a live performance CD release party in late September. This project is made possible by the Library Company of Philadelphia Innovation Fellowship Program, Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, and Black Music City Philadelphia.

Photo Left to right: Johnny Rivero Percussion, Zaccai Curtis Piano, Matt Davis Arranger & Guitar, Latasha Morris Vocals, Brent White Arranger & Trombone, Wayne Smith Jr. Drums, Luques Curtis Bass, and Todd Bayshore Alto Sax.