Clarinetist's Cell Phone Symphony of Black Life

Chicago-based clarinetist and composer Angel Bat Dawid has released her debut album, "The Oracle," a free-jazz exploration of black life today. This spiritual opus was largely recorded, mixed, and produced by Dawid herself, often utilizing just her cell phone during her global travels, evoking the era of cassette tape mixtapes.

Dawid's artistic path took a significant turn after a brain tumor diagnosis halted her formal music studies. She later quit her job, withdrew her retirement funds, and dedicated a year to rediscovering her connection with free and spiritual jazz.

"The Oracle" chronicles Dawid's improvisational journey and inspirations drawn from her worldwide travels. It delves into themes of black experiences, featuring collaborations like a call-and-response track with South African drummer Asher Simiso Gamedze and layered vocals on "What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black."

The album also explores Afrofuturism with the track "We Are Starzz," which premiered recently at NYC's Winter JazzFest. This piece blends digital and acoustic sounds, echoing the visionary work of Sun Ra, and signifies a glimmer of hope for the future of black expression.

Despite its global influences, Chicago remains the album's anchor. Dawid channels the spirit of free-jazz pioneers like Sun Ra, not only adopting a new name but also shedding reliance on musical scores, embracing unbridled improvisation to capture overcome obstacles and imagine a brighter future.