About the performances

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Performances:
"What’s Going On?" (Marvin Gaye, arranged by Reese Cloud)
Written by Marvin Gaye in 1970, “What’s Going On” is a timeless song with a strong message of social justice and a desire for change. Gaye wrote the song after experiencing the horrors of police brutality in America, as well as the effects the Vietnam War had on Black America. Released on the classic album What’s Going On, Gaye’s songwriting pits a solemn melody with lush instrumentation to create a powerful musical experience.

"I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" (Billy Taylor/Dick Dallas, arranged by Reese Cloud)
While originally written by pianist Billy Taylor and Dick Dallas, this iconic civil rights anthem was made famous by the incomparable Nina Simone. Simone’s 1967 performance of this song is the most well-known, and through her voice the words of the song are quite poignant. Simone’s voice carried a soul that made her lyrical pleas for equality all the more powerful, and who better than a black woman to express the emotion behind this beautiful melody.

 

Tonight's performances are provided by the Reese Cloud Quintet:

  • Tyler Griffin is a graduate assistant at Florida State University and has been playing jazz piano for over five years. Before settling in Tallahassee, he studied jazz at Valdosta State University. He is mostly interested in composition, arranging, and music production.

  • Tyler Griffin headshot​

  • Jermaine White is currently a 2nd year graduate student pursuing a master's degree in Jazz Studies from Florida State University. Based just outside of Atlanta, Jermaine is a musician with expertise in multiple fields of work and over 5 years of experience. He has performed along the east coast of the U.S. as well as being a featured soloist at the 2019 GMEA Conference in Athens, Georgia.

  • Jermaine White headshot​

  • Kendrick Jacobs is a graduate student at Florida State University and has been playing Upright and Electric Bass for over 11 years. Before settling in Tallahassee, he obtained a B.A. In Music at Valdosta State University. He has performed with great musicians and artists such as Marry Wilson of the Supremes and The Count Basie Orchestra’s Carmen Bradford. Kendrick is also an educator and composer.

  • Kendrick Jacobs headshot

  • Nygel Anderson was born and raised in Tallahassee. He grew up around a very musical family that contained many instruments. Nygel is a young drummer who has played for many wonderful artists and has a wide variety of playing styles. Nygel is currently studying under Professor Leon Anderson at Florida State University in the Jazz Studies program.

  • Nygel Anderson headshot​

Carrington Johnson joins the quintet to provide vocals for "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (Words by James Weldon Johnson, music by J. Rosamond Johnson).

  • Carrington Johnson headshot​

Carrington is a senior at Florida State University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Carrington was born and raised in the great city of Jacksonville. She graduated from high school and Florida State College at Jacksonville in 2019 with her high school diploma and Associates in Arts Degree. Carrington loves all things music and instruments and is a member of the FSU Gospel Choir. Carrington's musical goal is to continue to learn and grow in the days, months, and years to come. After graduating, she plans on attending Medical School, achieving her lifelong goal of becoming an Obstetrician Gynecologist.