Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP), Angola LA
Burl Cain, Warden of Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) invited back,internationally renowned Jazz and Gospel musicians to participate with prisoners in workshops and a concert from April 29th to April 30th 2010. As in 2009, the Project has been organised by Unity Music LLC, New Horizons Foundation and The Navigators in a bid to bring the power of music to everyone at Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Amongst the musicians involved in the 2010 Angola Project are vocalist Jamie Davis: trumpeter Scotty Barnhart: conductor, arranger, trombonist Dennis Wilson: drummer Greg Errico: and pianist/arranger Ken Miller.
Last year an adamant Jamie Davis, declared he would not be involved in this major Project, being held in one of the highest maximum security prisons in the US. At first Jamie would offer no explanation for his decision, however it later became apparent, through a conversation with Unity Music MD Sam Beler, that his decision was linked to a very personal tragedy.
Sadly, Jamie revealed how his brother, a correctional officer inside a US prison was murdered by an inmate. Neither Jamie or his family felt that they could emotionally connect to a Project that would benefit those who had taken his brothers life. After a long period of time and following many emotional discussions with his family, Jamie eventual visited LSP to see if he could bring himself to enter the prison. Perhaps his participation in the Anglo Project could help them cope with their grief.
“The time at Angola inspired both the inmates and the performers. Many of the band members felt their participation in the event as a positive flow of the best human emotions." - Jamie Davis
As a result of the two-time successful Project the forthcoming album 'Free On The Inside' recorded live, will be available from Unity Music. Sales will benefit various charities and organisations including the Angola Inmate Chaplain's Program, Prison Discipleship Ministries and the Inner City Youth Jazz Project.
“You all have to come back and do this in the rodeo arena. You all are the most fantastic group we have ever had here and we have had superstars." - Warden Burl Cain
About Unity Music LLC
Unity Music LLC, a partnership between Sam Beler, Jamie Davis, and Greg Errico, was the launch platform for vocalist Jamie Davis' solo career and the label that produced his 2006 album It's A Good Thing and DVD, Making Of It's A Good Thing video. Now, only a few years on and we have a second successful recording from Jamie Davis Vibe Over Perfection and a solo debut album for trumpeter Scotty Barnhart Say It Plain. Both artists are also participating in concerts with various groups including The Count Basie Orchestra to benefit local charities and are also active in this joint Project with the New Horizons Foundation in the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
The Unity Music brand reflects the team's philosophy that music is all about people. Dedicated to giving back Unity Music produces fundraising and events with well known musicians that support school music programs.
Unity Music LLC - 2540 Camino Diablo, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
