Lois Deloatch premieres her fourth recording, Hymn to Freedom: Homage to Oscar Peterson, at St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center on Friday, August 22 at 8:00 p.m. The Durham-based vocalist and songwriter penned lyrics for three of the ten compositions on the disc including two Peterson compositions (“Hymn to Freedom” and “When Summer Comes”) and Bobby Timmons’ “Moanin’.” Classic composition including “The Very Thought of You,” and “Honeysuckle Rose,” are also covered on the the recording. Drummer Ed Thigpen, an early member of one of Oscar Peterson’s Trios; pianist/arranger Willie Pickens; bassist John V. Brown; and guitarist Scott Sawyer appear on the recording. Although it is just being released, the music was recorded in November 2006, prior to the death of Oscar Peterson, a world-renown pianist and jazz icon who passed away in December 2007.”Oscar Peterson and the great musicians with whom he collaborated such as Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen represent the essence of jazz,” says Lois. Known for her rich contralto voice, broad repertoire, and ability to transcend musical boundaries, Lois has been immersed in music most of her life. In recent years, she has headlined and shared concert bills with music luminaries such as Ellis Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, and Freddie Cole. Lois and her husband, Ed Gomes, host Sunday Evening Classics, a weekly jazz radio program on WNCU 90.7 FM, North Carolina Central University’s Public Radio Station.
Her first release, Sunrise, debuted in 1998 and was followed by Holy Night with Tyson Rogers (2004) and Closure (2005). Lois holds an undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and is scheduled to receive a graduate degree from Duke University this fall. For more information on Lois and her music, please visit her website www.loisdeloatch.com.
The August 22 concert is open to the public and proceeds will benefit St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students/senior citizens. To order tickets or for more information, please click here or telephone (919) 683-1709.
