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The Future Reimagined: Bridging Generations Through Heritage and Harmony
165 Years of Cultural Roots Connecting New Orleans to Global Influence, Igniting a Brighter Tomorrow
Brooklyn, NY – (November 8, 2024) –- The great-great-grandson of James Brown Humphrey, “the Grandfather of Jazz, Jelani Akil Bauman, performing as LANI B. SUPREME, has released his debut album, The Future Is Bright: Live at the Brooklyn Museum. With this album, Jelani bridges a legacy of resilience and strength from his ancestor with a dynamic vision for today’s global artistic landscape.
Humphrey, also known as “Professor Jim,” was a pioneering figure born in 1859 during Reconstruction. His influence empowered newly emancipated communities, offering strength and unity through music. As a self-taught musician and educator, Humphrey was integral to early jazz formation, introducing syncopated rhythms and techniques that foreshadowed the “swing” that would later define jazz.
As the world faces challenges across every sphere—from economic shifts and evolving cultural narratives to disparities in knowledge access—Jelani’s work serves as a reminder of the resilience, power, and unity that art can inspire. The Future Is Bright bridges a rich legacy of strength with a forward-looking vision for today’s listeners, embodying a dynamic connection to heritage and global influence.
Recently, Jelani collaborated with renowned visual artist Daud Sutton to create album art that celebrates this legacy and envisions a bright future. “Inspired by the angelic trumpet blast that began Creation, the cover art celebrates celestial lights: the radiance and beauty of the planet Venus, the stars, and the art of humanity's great spiritual traditions. Sound as light and light as sound. The future is bright!” Sutton explains. The result is a striking composition featuring a central blue and gold sphere, symbolizing an optimistic core that radiates petal-like patterns, representing unity, growth, and interconnectedness. The cosmic backdrop reflects boundless potential, mirroring Jelani’s commitment to the belief that “the future is bright.” This visual metaphor aligns with Jelani’s sound, fluidly blending jazz foundations with global influences, embodying a balance of structure and spontaneity.
In The Future Is Bright, Jelani expands on his family’s rich musical lineage while carving his own path. His music, which he describes as an open exploration of “Black American music” rooted in jazz but branching into broader, diverse harmonies, invites audiences into a space of discovery and unity. “I’ve always believed that the future is bright,” Jelani reflects. “It’s about finding light in every moment, regardless of the times. Music is my way of channeling that.” Performing as LANI B. SUPREME—a name symbolizing his vision and commitment to a positive path forward—Jelani embodies tenacity and purpose, inviting others to do the same.
Resilience, Reflection, and Universal Connection
The Future Is Bright stands as both a tribute and an evolution, connecting music to broader themes of humanity, harmony, and shared experience. While grounded in jazz, the album transcends genre, incorporating sounds that bridge cultures and generations. The final track, “Serena,” honors tennis legend Serena Williams, celebrating her grace and strength while highlighting Jelani’s dedication to celebrating endurance and artistic growth.
Recorded live at the Brooklyn Museum, The Future Is Bright is a journey through Jelani’s life experiences—from his roots in New Orleans to his time in New York, global travels, and his role as an educator. “Education and creativity connect us to both our heritage and our future,” Jelani shares, reflecting on his mission to inspire learning and self-expression as essential tools for navigating a complex world.
A Beacon for Today’s World
At 34, Jelani’s life and music reflect wisdom shaped by the enduring values of his grandparents’ generation and an appreciation for music as a universal connector. His sound recalls the timelessness of the past, reimagined through a modern, global lens that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Much like his great-great-grandfather, who inspired newly freed communities to look toward a hopeful future, Jelani now carries that legacy forward on a global stage, using music to foster unity and a shared journey toward brighter days.
For more information, please visit www.lanibsupreme.com