The Afro-Semitic Experience: "Unity in the Community"

<p>The Afro-Semitic Experience is a six-piece ensemble of Jewish and African-American musicians dating back to the late 1990s, when Hartford-based pianist and vocalist Warren Byrd and bassist David Chevan met at a jam session. A quarter-century later, their trademark blend of original soul, jazz and gospel creations continues to deepen. </p> <p>On January 19, their new album <em>Our Feet Began to Pray</em> drops on Reckless DC Music. These 14 grooving, soulful tracks are made to order to calm the turbulent waters of a tense and tendentious moment in our national story. The title track was inspired when Chevan joined a march to protest the murder of George Floyd and were corralled by police across a bridge in a moment reminiscent of Selma and the Edmund Petus Bridge in 1965.</p> <p>Today, the album rollout begins with this stirring video of the lead track, “Unity in the Community.” We can only hope that the sentiment sets a new mood for a new year, despite all its potential perils.</p><figure><iframe loading="lazy" width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7c0jfuGA2BY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>