Truth. Hope. Reconciliation. These are words that we immediately associate with Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and his vision for a better world. Today, on 18 July 2020, the 102nd anniversary of his birth, the SNJO commemorates Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr, and Malcolm X through the spirited words and soaring music of Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change is Gonna Come.’

Music fans should prepare themselves for a moving experience, a soul-stirring prayer for freedom and equality, sung emotively by Kenny Washington and beautifully arranged by Joe Locke, giving Sam Cooke’s most uplifting gospel ballad wings to fly on an extraordinary path.

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra
directed by Tommy Smith

presents

A CHANGE IS GONNA COME
written by Sam Cooke

arranged by Joe Locke
sang by Kenny Washington

Clarinets: Martin Kershaw, Paul Towndrow, Konrad Wisniewski, Bill Fleming
Flugelhorns: Russell Bennett, Sean Gibbs, Tom MacNiven, Lorne Cowieson
Trombones: Kieran McLeod, Richard Foote, Anoushka Nanguy, Michael Owers
Guitar: Kevin MacKenzie
Keyboard: Pete Johnstone
Electric Bass: Kevin Glasgow
Drums: Alyn Cosker
Voice: Kenny Washington
Vibes/Arranger: Joe Locke
Audio & Video Editing/Flute: Tommy Smith
Manager: Lindsay Robertson

Released 18th July 2020 – International Nelson Mandela Day

“It is so easy to break down
and destroy.
The heroes are those who
make peace
and build.”

— Nelson Mandela