There are so many things that can be said about Ann and I am sure that many of us share the same sentiments. I met Ann in the late 70s early 80s when we were a part of Muntu Dance Theater’s Prana Ensemble. It was love and friendship at first sight. Learning music from the Great American Songbook as well as creating new original music was something that we both were excited about. She was always a beacon of light, enthusiasm, love, encouragement and the possessor of the world’s most infectious smile.
One year we were in Poznan and while returning home I lost my passport in the Munich airport. I was told by one of the agents that I would have to go to the American embassy in Munich in order to return to the states, which was unacceptable. While waiting for the supervisor to confirm that I was in fact a US citizen, Ann was right there with me. She said to me, “if they won’t let you get on this flight then I will stay with you.” Of course I told her that wasn’t necessary, but she insisted. She stayed with me until the supervisor confirmed that I could get on the flight.
Once in a dream we were travelling somewhere and she got on the escalator and just as I was about to enter, the glass door closed. She turned and waved at me and said, “ I will see you on the other side!”
My sister Ann in good company with Sue Conway and Bootsie on vocals, Ken Chaney, Corky McClerkin playing duo pianos with Mendai on the bass, Butch Davis on drums, Lester Bowie on trumpet, Light Henry Huff on Saxophone and Mama Abena Joan Brown overseeing the band batting her eyelashes and tapping her feet, along with her brother and father Irving Ward smiling, and so many great ones who have gone on……….
Creating new music in this heavenly band feeling the warmth of God’s smile as you play and play and Sing unto the Lord…The Angels and ancestors …. dancing in the aisles of gold; Bold, beautiful and dressed in white and your locs flaming…Mingled with stardust as you are welcomed into Paradise!
The Creator of all says to our sister…your work on earth is done my daughter!! And great works you have done! There is still much to do for your Heavenly Host! Ann smiles so bright and laughs like the trumpet loud and clear As she stands in praise! I am at your service Father/Mother God!!!! I am Here! I am Here!!
Sleep, Rest, Rise then Rejoice my darling sister Ann as you manifest into the Light, to speak and sing to God on our behalf!!! Until I see you again and together we can Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet, we can Praise Him with the psaltry and the harp, we can Praise Him with the timbrel and dance, we can Praise Him with the String Instruments…! Let everything that hath breath, Praise the Lord!!!
DEE ALEXANDER
credits
released June 6, 2021
MAMA ANN WARD - VOCALS
MIKE LOGAN - PIANO
PRODUCED BY CARLOS PRIDE
Recorded by CARLOS PRIDE @ Rhythm Testament Studios
Chicago IL July 12, 2013.
Mixed and Mastered by CARLOS PRIDE @ Rhythm Testament Studios Chicago IL May 12, 2021.
A Very Special Thanks to the late Mama Ann Ward for the love, wisdom, guidance, friendship and support she shared with her family, friends and community throughout the years.
CARLOS PRIDE
Graphic Design / Calumet Creatives
Cover Photo of Ann Ward by Lauren Deutsch
Website: laurendeutschphoto.com
Photo Of Crying Child by Eric Werner
Special Thanks to Ben Ford / Instagram @producerbenford
Contact: INFO@RhythmTestament.com
Rhythm Testament Records was created to produce World, Meditation & Dance
music with traditional handmade
instrumentation such as: Kalimba, Mbira, Talking Drums, Sakara, Lap Steel Guitars & Diddley Bow.
“Our mission is to present World Music that uplifts and creatively transforms a planet in need of harmony." Carlos Pride...more
supported by 4 fans who also own “MOTHERLESS CHILD”
Beautiful music for our challenging times. Unique voices like Mitchell and Harris provide what little hope is possible. I love how, in their unique way, they incorporate, along with so much else, the spirit of Sun Ra, one of my primary musical heros. And it’s interesting that I used to argue that there were places that the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) could go that the western flute couldn’t. But after hearing Nicole Mitchell’s work on this recording I’m a little less confident abo kyoung21b
The Inuit sister duo reimagine Christmas carols to the beat of katajjaq, traditional throat singing. The effect is beautiful and haunting. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 10, 2019