San Francisco State University – Jessica Hagedorn and the Gangsta Choir
Musicians – Keyboard: Sam Peoples; Bass:Heshima Mark Williams; Drums: Augusta Collins (RIP); Guitar: Makoto Horiuchi; Percussion: Doug Santos
Vocalists – Linda Tillery, Ota Pierce, Norman Jayo
Intro – Nashira Priester
Christine Balance (Professor at UCIrvine) was so kind to share this gem from the past. This was the first iteration of Jessica’s Gangsta Choir which mashes poetry, with music. The Gangsta Choir is very much like some of the things we are hearing today except this was performed 41yrs ago. Way ahead of the times!!
For the Video Freeks
This tape was transferred from VCR to Digital. So the resolution for VCRs were about 333×480 pixels. Whereas today we are use to watching things in a resolution around 1920 × 1080 pixels. Watching this video will be kinda like playing the old vinyl that has scratches on it. So you need to get in the time machine and strap on your belts. We are going back to 1975 on a afternoon at San Francisco State University. Enjoy!!
Here is an article by Christine Balance that chronicles the era that this music was created. (Page Turner: hover over bottom left)