“Love & Healing” is the title track of the forthcoming release from Hill-Freedman Records, the student label of Philly public high school Hill-Freedman World Academy. Dropping in 2022, it features over 30 original student songs and is the 5th album from Hill-Freedman Records produced in partnership with World Cafe Live. Kudos to visionary teacher Ezechial Thurman for his leadership of Hill-Freedman Records!The video features wonderfully talented student performers plus some special cameos you might recognize–the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Mailata, Avonte Maddox and Rodney McLeod; Congressman Dwight Evans; PA State Rep. Chris Rabb; and Philly City Councilmembers Cherelle Parker and Derek Green.
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Video produced by Hill-Freedman World Academy & World Cafe Live
Video Edited & Directed by Naeem Murdic (@madebymurdic)
This album was made over the course of 2020-2021 and highlights more than 30 original student songs. WCL teaching artists Andrew Lipke, Kristal Oliver and Bethlehem the Vocussionist collaborated with visionary teacher Ezechial Thurman, the director of Hill-Freedman Records, who founded the Music Technology program at the school and led the year-long project, which included remembering and celebrating the lives and musical legacies of musicians we have lost over the past several years including Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers, Little Richard, DMX, Dr. John, Jesse Norman and McCoy Tyner. Mr. Thurman and the artists were joined by teaching artist fellows from ArtistYear, WHYY Media Labs as well as by a group of student producers–veterans of past Hill-Freedman Records albums who mentored 10th grade students. Working almost entirely online, this collective nurtured the creation of the songs that make up this chronicle of student voices, viewpoints and visions. The result is a journey through 2020-21 as seen through the eyes of young artists. Videographer Naeem Murdic joined with Mr. Thurman and the students to create this video.
