BxRCT show at The N.E. Bronx YMCA  12/17/22   1:00-4:00 PM

CHRISTORY composed by Bevin Turnbull

THE Virgin Mary Had a BABY BOY -Traditional Caribbean carol

WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES  composed and sung by Ferdinand Wright

We are dedicating this podcast to the people of Ukraine and Somalia--just two examples which represent the horrors of inhumanity, hatred and violence in the world. While the leader of Russia sleeps in a warm bed with a full belly, he dictates the bombing of infants and children, leaving them without heat, food or water as winter grips Europe. In Africa, similar evil persists.

Our show expresses the joy and hope for better life in thee places and throughout the world. In a previous podcast I included my arrangement of MARCH SLAV  which was composed by the great Ukrainian composer, Tchaikovsky. I have reprised it.

Dr. Belinda Miles and I are promoting our upcoming show on December 17th at the NE Bronx YMCA--a citadel against our own urban terrorism, violence and disorder. Imagine: my arrangements of Sleigh Ride and Frosty  depict uttter happiness and fun, in stark contrast to the war(s) at home and abroad.  

Belinda sings a poignant strain of Dona Nobis followed by an original of hers called SO DEEP. Yes, there exists optimism and love amidst the often bitter vicissitudes of the real world.

SLEIGH RIDE and FROSTY are arrangements by Bevin Turnbull

The song, MANHATTAN COOL is the featured subject. It was first recorded over 30 years ago at Systems Two Studios--Brooklyn, NY ; then again about 8 years ago at my studio--Tarah/Sarah Productions--Bronx, NY. In all these years, the song was never played before a live audience. I was always imagining that I could improve it. Now in 2022 we are seriously considering including its live debut in our next live production--Part Three of NEW JAZZ CITY:the musical.

One of the main characters, Anthony is a cold individual who the song is about. He tries underhandedly to capture the attention of Sherri, the lead female, who happens to be the love interest of Jazzman (Johnu). 

Version 1 (circa 1982): Michael McCray- lead vocal, Bevin Turnbull-synthesizers, piano, B3 organ, Stew Cutler- guitar, Debbie Gilcrest, Wanda, Hamlet- background vocals, Erroll Bedward-drum programming

Version 2 (circa 2014) Bevin Turnbull-keyboards, background vocals

Remembering Japan's Shinzo Abe and Onaje Allan Gumbs.  I think of ZEN: Simpliciy, Non pretentiousness and Quietude.

Sukiyaki was made popular by Kyu Sakamoto

Bevin Turnbull--Keyboards, Trumpet, Viola (pizzicato)

Dr. Belinda Miles--Vocals

Episode photo of Naomi Osaka

In 1994 I visited Montserrat with my Mom. That was the year before the volcano. That island is where my maternal grandmother was born. About 10 years later I visited Tortola, where my Dad's folks were from. I've returned therea 3 more times after that; the latest time with my sister. Our family owns about 30 acres on Tortola overlooking Roadtown, the CAPITAL.

Relatively unspoiled, Tortola only has about 25,000 inhabitants. I see it as the perfect paradise to retire to. However, we have some work to do here first. I'd like to build The Bronx Renaissance Community theatre with proper funding and sustained support from our patrons, so that when I'm no longer here, our legacy in the arts and culture will live on. Our next podcasts will be aimed at developing substantial funding. We need your help!

BxRCTheatre.org is our website

Russians recently bombed the village in Ukraine where P. I. Tchaikovsky lived and composed. It is (or was) a national landmark. This is my version of his Marche Slave.  On it I played keyboards, trumpet, snare drum and hand cymbals.

This spring I composed some music and a quite guttural poem expressing some emotions about what's happening in Europe. As a citizen of the world and a global humanitarian, I have to release what I feel.

I wrote EVERYBODY'S ON THE PHONE some years ago, now using it as our theme music coming into and out oof this very ponderous episode.

Bevin Sinclair Turnbull- keyboards & trumpet; Cris Romano- vocals; Onita Brunner- phone voice

Connecting Peter Tchaikovsky's music and the national landmark home in Ukraine where he lived during the 1860s.

This episode concludes with CLOCKTIME written and performed by Bevin Turnbull--keyboards; 

Stew Cutler--guitar, Erroll Bedward--drums