Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman

Marcus Shelby’s suite points to the disconnect between the many stories that have been told of Tubman as a lone activist with the reality of large-scale anti-slavery actions. Songs like “I Will Not Stand Still,” (which positively swings in the middle) and “Go Down Moses” help us to imagine something different than the perception of anti-slavery movements as made up of privileged North Americans, maybe even understanding that Africans were at war with slavers and slavery.

Battling the misunderstandings of Tubman’s life means challenging the stereotypes (then and now) about women, and Africans. Shelby was inspired by Kate Larson’s book on Tubman, Bound for the Promised Land, to create this musical piece.

The music on this collection is so good it could be argued that a listener could just enjoy the tunes. Shelby is a renowned bass player, and the loping connections made by his playing tie the horns and voices together in buttery-smooth eloquence. “Black Suffrage Blues” is a good example of just how potent his band can be. In this case, the exceptional musicianship only contributes to the reflective space; it is simultaneously invitational and subversive.

The Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra performance of Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman is the keynote of Humboldt State University’s Social Justice Summit. Join the conversation on Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m. in HSU’s Van Duzer Theatre and experience astounding music and a genuine reflective space.

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