About the Film
Music reveals a lot about a culture’s values–what it celebrates, what it tolerates. A NOTE OF HOPE explores this theme as part music appreciation and part social-purpose documentary. It exists comfortably at this intersection because it explores the cultural legacy of one of the earliest American art forms: the Negro spiritual, music that was the soundtrack of the abolition and civil rights movements. These are songs of faith and hope in the midst of suffering, songs that are still relevant today.
Believing that music should be used to lift up humanity, A NOTE OF HOPE follows the journey of five American jazz musicians who are musical ambassadors for the cause of children left parentless by HIV/AIDS in Africa. These musicians recast the spirituals into the jazz genre, and then — following the example of those who came before them — give of their time and talents to draw attention to those who still suffer today.
Michael Hartnett films pianist Sumi Tonooka and violinist John Blake, Jr., with Howard University's vocal group Afro Blue, in the historic Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel.
Through the eyes of these musicians, we learn about the AIDS orphans crisis, the successes some local groups in Africa are having, and what it means for these parentless children to have other adults, both locally and abroad, step up to care for them. As the band performs, we also learn about the songs themselves, their meaningful contribution to American history, and how they were influenced by the sounds of Africa.
A NOTE OF HOPE is a feature documentary that began production in the spring of 2009 and plans to debut in late 2010. It features jazz violinist John Blake, Jr., who lectures often on the spirituals and who has written the jazz arrangements this group performs. It also features vocalist Rosella Clemmons Washington, whose initial personal interest in supporting Covenant Mercies, a group working among AIDS orphans in Africa, was what brought this group of long-time friends together. They are joined by bassist and recording artist Gerald Veasley, pianist and film composer Sumi Tonooka, and drummer Harry “Butch” Reed.
It is being produced through a Note of Hope LLC, which is wholly owned by Citygate Films LLC. Carolyn McCulley is the producer and director. Special thanks to Ethiopian Airlines and British Airways for their support of this film.
