Bill McGee - The Tree of Life (2023)

The album also recognizes the contributions of Dr. Donald Byrd and his producer Larry Mizell. As Bill has re-recorded the ground breaking contemporary jazz hit “Flight Time” that was first released 50 years ago, to bring authenticity to this classic, Bill called on Donald Byrd's fellow Detroit native and founder of the first HBCU group to have a hit record while students; Blackbyrd's leader and pianist - Kevin Toney. Joining Bill and Kevin on “Flight Time” is one of the most acclaimed saxophonist and flautist in contemporary jazz - NAJEE. Those three alone would make this an outstanding record but Bill also asked his friend trumpeter - Tom Browne to join in this salute to Donald Byrd. The resulting recording is sure to become a classic in the Contemporary Jazz lexicon. Grammy winning guitarist Freddie Fox, who has recorded with everyone from George Benson and Al Jarreau adds just the right amount of guitar that makes this a classic recording, then Bill asked his friend, bassist “Big New York” Christian de Mesones to add that #1 hit bass sound to the recording. Bill and Christian de Mesones have collaborated on three of Christian's hit recordings, including his #1 Hit “Hispanica”, where they teamed up with the legendary pianist, Bob James to hit the top of all of the contemporary Jazz Charts.

The smooth groove, “Summers In Surry” which features renowned Italian jazz guitarist, Roberto Tola. “For Ramsey”, a tribute to Ramsey Lewis, which features rising stars, Will “Chan” Hall, on piano and saxophonist Marvin Taylor, Jr.. Then there’s one of Bill’s favorite songs on the album, “GiGi”, which is the name his nine (9) grandchildren call his wife. Written by Michael Thierry and Bill McGee, “GiGi” just feels good and has a really nice groove. In all candor, Bill says this album is “grittier” and “funkier” than his earlier albums, inspired and motivated by the social/political/pandemic events of the last 8 years. The track “Sho Is Funky” which features the great “Fred Wesley” on Trombone, Robbie Cunningham on vocals and is a testimony to the funkier side of this album. Add in the GoGo Afro Funk track “Zodiac Sign” featuring the amazing Plunky Branch, Carlita Whitehead, Kia Bennett and Corey El, and you have closed the circle on the dance floor. Finally, the album winds down with the emotive title track, “The Tree of Life”, a beautiful “gritty” ballad, featuring Jay Baxter, dedicated to the memory of Larry Dee and Shirley Jones, written as a reflection of that experience of loss that touches the emotions, the heart and the soul.

Also included on this album is a swing jazz quartet version of We Shall Overcome, the quintessential Civil Rights anthem. This recording, featuring The Mike Hawkins Trio, is a testament and commemoration to the struggle for Social Justice and Equality, which continues to this day. Bill McGee recorded this swinging jazz version as a tribute to the Richmond Chapter of SCLC and to the memories of Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, and Rev. Curtis Harris. Two SCLC pioneers from Central Virginia. (Petersburg and Hopewell). We Shall Overcome, features Dr. Weldon Hill on piano, Mike Hawkins on upright bass, Kofi Shepsu on drums with Bill McGee on Flugelhorn.

In 2022, Bill McGee was elected President of the Richmond Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The Civil Rights organization founded by Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr., and sixty activists, in January of 1957 after the victorious Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycott. From 1963-1973, Bill McGee grew up in Atlanta living only six blocks from Dr. King. He went to school with the King children, Yolanda and Martin, graduated from (Booker T. Washington HS) the same high school as Dr. M L King, Jr. and later in his career as an educator, Bill McGee was hired as the Director of Bands at Morehouse College, the alma mater of Dr. King. We Shall Overcome is included as a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. “The Struggle Continues”.