This video features sights and scenes from the recording session of the July 2020 Impact Jazz release “Still I Rise” by Derrick Gardner & The Big dig! Band. The footage was shot during the first week of January 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba at Desautels Recording Studios and visually projects scenes of the musicians, ensemble rehearsals,…Continue reading VIDEO: Derrick Gardner & The Big dig! Band – The making of “Still I Rise”

“Still I Rise” is dedicated to the great African-American poet, singer, actor, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. This powerful poem basically describes the plight and resilience of African-Americans, from the times of slavery through emancipation, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the civil rights era, and up to today. When Angelou died in 2014, this melody popped…Continue reading VIDEO: “Still I Rise” by Derrick E. Gardner & The Big dig! Band