Alexander's Hat

Another track from the forthcoming album, 'When You Are What You Are,' it tells the story of Alexander Wilson, a reporter beaten by a white mob during the infamous 'Little Rock Nine' incident in 1957. The story has become a symbol of dignified black resistance against rabid racism, and is as relevant today as it's ever been.

The theme and style of the song is also different. I was inspired by the storytelling style used by Tom Waits in 'Frank's Wild Years.' That song uses a downtempo musical track onto which is superimposed one of Waits' wonderful verbal paintings.

I have reversed this idea, using an uptempo, Brazilian Berimbau against which the darkness of the narrative is supposed to contrast.

A lot of thought has gone into this work so I hope you find it moving in its own way.https://youtu.be/z42-SObes_k