This weekend, the National Museum of African American History and Culture opens to the general public in Washington, D.C. We’ve already highlighted the eye-opening, history changing museum, plus sat down with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to talk about their work with the NMAAHC. Also a part of the Freedom Sounds Festival, Living Colour is slated to perform on Saturday, September 24. With performances from the New York punk-funk-rock group, Public Enemy and The Roots on the bill — the NMAAHC is the place to be as over 150,000 people have come from all over to attend this monumental occasion.
We were fortunate enough to cut into Living Colour’s busy schedule to talk with vocalist Corey Glover and drummer Will Calhoun via email about their part in this NMAAHC unveiling. For those who don’t know, this group will always be know for their passion, their soulfulness and their masterful ability to elicit powerful rhythms straight to the chest. With that in mind, we spoke with the sensational rock gawds about their participation in the NMAAHC festivities, their thoughts on being a part of one of President Barack Obama‘s last major events and what their legacy adds to the overall black experience. Enjoy!
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Their sound will always be identified with Glover’s soulful, passionate vocals, guitarist Vernon Reid’s masterful ability to shift from sizzling rock riffs to jazz inflections to funk overload, and the lucid, powerful rhythm section of bassist Doug Wimbish and drummer Will Calhoun. They’re still mighty muscular, but “Chair’’ reveals the group’s shades and nuances.
Okayplayer: How did the band link up with the NMAAHC for the “Freedom Sounds” celebration? Also, can you talk about what performing for the unveiling of the NMAAHC means to Living Colour?
Corey Glover: Timothy Anne [Burnside] met up with us in New Orleans. She asked if we were willing to contribute to the NMAAHC museum. We were more than happy to be a part.
Will Calhoun: Yes, this was roughly five years ago while performing / touring on the Jimi Hendrix Tribute tour. We had a brief meeting about the museum and her interest in our participation. Of course, we were thrilled to be a part of this incredible and necessary venture.
OKP: What were some never-before-told stories that you learned over the course of touring the NMAAHC museum?
WC: I saw a red Cadillac that belonged to Chuck Berry. I was informed he was owed money from the record label and they gave him the car in place of payment [ed. note: This is not a verifiable fact.].
CG: I have only seen pictures, [but] I cannot wait to take my family and share in the experiences. I am sure it will be amazing.
OKP: What were some moments from the band’s recent travels that will forever stick with you all? Why?
CG: Knowing that there is a place where the Odyssey of the African American can be seen and felt will have a great impact. With all the things going on, the struggles we are facing — this [museum] gives me hope.
WC: Performing “Preaching Blues” at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York for the Robert Johnson tribute. His spirit came alive in us. Mostly Corey [laughs]. If you go to YouTube, you can have a look at it. The performance transformed the band into a new spiritual space. We recently recorded this track, “Preaching Blues,” and it will be on our new CD titled, SHADE. We are also opening our set with this song on Saturday’s Freedom Sounds performance.
OKP: This is one of the few major, major events happening before President Barack Obama + Michelle Obama leave office. What does Obama’s legacy mean to Living Colour? How has the energy leading up to the NMAAHC’s public unveiling resonated with the band?
The post Living Colour’s Will Calhoun + Corey Glover Talk NMAAHC, Obama + Legacy appeared first on Okayplayer.
