"I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawn were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississipi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I've known rivers.

Ancient, dusky rivers. 

My soul has grown deep like the rivers."

Lyrics by Langston Hughes
Narration by Leonardo Trevas

Mixed and recorded by Walman Filho, february 2013

Negro Speaks of Rivers

"An old Negro minister concludes his sermon in his loudest voice, having previously pointed out the sins of this world:

... and now
When the rumble of death
Rushes down the drain
Pipe of eternity
And hell breaks out
Into a thousand smiles
And the devil licks his chops
Preparing to feast on life,
And all the little devils
Get out their bibs
To devour the corrupt bones
Of this world-
Oh-ooo-oo-o!
Then my friends!
Oh,then! Oh,then!
What will you do?


You will turn back
And look toward the mountains
You will turn back
And grasp for a straw.
You will holler,
Lord-d-d-d-d-ah!
Save me, Lord!
Save me!
And the Lord will say
In the days of your greatness
I did not hear your voice!
The Lord will say,
In the days of your richness
I did not see your face!
The Lord will say,
No-oooo-ooo-oo-o!
I will not save you now!


And your soul
Will be lost!


Come into the church this morning,
Brothers and Sisters,
And be saved-
And give freely
In the collection basket
That I who am thy shepard
Might live.
Amen!"


Lyrics by Langston Hughes
Narration by Leonardo Trevas
Recorded & Mixed by Walman Filho, february 2013.

Sunday Morning Prophecy

"Rocks and the firm roots of trees.
The rising shafts of mountains.
Something strong to put my hands on.

Sing, O Lord Jesus!
Song is a strong thing.
A heard my mother singing
When life hurt her.

Gonna ride in my chariot some day!

The branches rise
From the firm roots of trees.
The mountains rise
From the solid lap of earth.
The waves rise
From the dead weight of sea.

Sing, O black mother!
Song is a strong thing."

Poem by Langston Hughes
Sung by Leonardo Trevas

Recorded & Mixed by Walman Filho, february 2013

Spirituals

This project's goal is to make music based in the work of the poet Langston Hughes.

Inspired by the sounds of the african and american traditions, we struggle to capture the natural lyricism and musicality of Langston's poetry and mix it with our own brazillian background and world experiences.

Guitars: Pedro de França
Vocals and Narration: Leonardo Trevas

The Weary Blues is a non-profit project, aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of Langston Hughes. 

thewearyblues