The commemorative project will release during Black Music Month joining the centennial celebration of Baldwins’ art and cultural impact as a great literary icon.
Nationwide — During his year-long celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday of the late civil rights activist, expatriate and writer James Baldwin, Charles Reese aka The Charles Reese Experience is thrilled to announce the release of his first spoken word poetry album James Baldwin & Me: A Centennial Tribute. Below, listen to the first two singles from the album, “Today Feels Like a Poem (Remix) and “Calling the Ancestors Name: Brother James Baldwin”.
“This project is introspective in three parts chronicling my personal connection to Baldwin, playing him on Off-Broadway and making Baldwin now in present day. I am so happy to release this album into the universe, paying homage to one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th Century,” says Reese.
The 14-track album takes the listeners through a melodic journey as Reese brings to life a collection of poems gleamed from Emmy Award nominee, and Morehouse Alumni, the late Howard Simon’s literary canon, where Reese is an Executive Curator. Joining Reese to collaborate on the album include Everett Moon of Lunar Labs Studios – Sound Engineer and Producer, Dwight Trible – Vocal Stylist, with features by Kenneth Brown II who plays Trumpet on Today Feels Like a Poem (Remix), and Cool Brother.
James Baldwin & Me will serve as a conversational catalyst as Reese continues to tour around the globe, now booking dates for 2024-2025. Currently, there are three packages available for the live experience. Highlights include spoken word performances & interactive readings, followed by audience Q&A, and book signing.
Please email Shameka Brown at bookingteethandeyes@gmail.com for booking details and visit JamesBaldwinandMe.com for more information.
Up Next: Charles joins the He Said, He Said, He Said, Live Podcast on Friday, June 7th to preview tracks from the album and talk more about Baldwin at 100. Tune in at 4:00PM PST / 7:00 PM EST via the He Said, He Said, He Said – Live Channel on YouTube.
More From the Album
Watch “Calling the Ancestor’s Name (Brother James Baldwin). The Charles Reese Experience. Feat. Dwight Trible” on YouTube https://youtu.be/T1sWQOB0oa8?si=WyDJIilENGGSb7P7
Watch “Today Feels Like a Poem (For James Baldwin. The Charles Reese Experience. Feat. Kenneth Brown II.” on YouTube https://youtu.be/7I6pLCIn7AM?si=GDcR5NzgCtGXZx6_
James Baldwin & Me: A Centennial Tribute – Track List:
1. Calling The Ancestor’s Name (Brother James Baldwin). Feat. Dwight Trible
2. Today Feels Like A Poem (OG Jazz Version). Feat. Dwight Trible
3. In This Space
4. A-Train
5. Art
6. Time Variants
7. Cool Brother Feat. Kenneth Brown II
8. 1963 / What Shall I Wear?
9. What is a Poem?
10. I Work
11. The Task (Kickin’ Ass)
12. On The Eve of Eviction
13. Honoring James Baldwin Feat. Dwight Trible
14. Today Feels Like A Poem (Remix). Feat. Kenneth Brown II
About
Charles Reese is a multi-hyphenated actor, author, programmatic curator, and CEO of Teeth and Eyes Communications, LLC. He has carved out his own lane in the entertainment industry including 25 years of widely acclaimed work as an advocate and purveyor of James Baldwin. To book Charles for your next engagement, visit his website at CharlesReeseExperience.com
For press inquiries, contact Shameka Brown, Publicist, Teeth and Eyes Communications, LLC
at Bookingteethandeyes@gmail.com or (323) 533-1305.
