Mark Lomax, II & The Urban Art Ensemble

“... every Lomax record you listen to will make you happy.” - Turgay Yalcin

— Dark Blue Notes (Turkey)

The Unity Suite Epk

Dr. Mark Lomax, II wrote The Unity Suite after experiencing both the heartbreak of 9/11 and the joy of welcoming his first child just a month later. Seeking meaning between loss and hope, he turned to sacred texts and the wisdom of Toni Morrison and James Baldwin, creating a piece that calls for unity and celebrates our shared musical heritage. Now, 23 years on, Lomax has reimagined the work for his Urban Art Ensemble to challenge listeners: what if we let go of old boundaries—between sacred and secular, traditional and modern—and let diverse musical traditions lift each other up? The Unity Suite breaks down barriers, honors its roots, and points to a more connected, creative future for us all.

Programming options include one or a combination of a concert, lecture, documentary viewing and conversation, and facilitated dialogue. 

Press photos

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Click image for high resolution file. (pc Jason Wood)

Click image for a high resolution file. (pc Tiffany Cooper)

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Click image for high resolution file. (pc The Wexner Center for the Arts)

Click image for high resolution file. (pc. Tiffany Cooper)

The Music

The Unity Suite

Mark Lomax, II & The Urban Art Ensemble

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Limited Edition Vinyl Download

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The Urban Art Ensemble featuring Dr. Mark Lomax, II (drums), Kenyatta Beasley (trumpet), Rob Dixon (alto saxophone), Edwin Bayard (tenor & soprano saxophones), Dr. William Menefield (piano), and bassist Dean Hulett, capture a stunning presentation of Dr. Lomax's original composition, The Unity Suite.

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  1. 1
    Devotions 1:39
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  2. 2
    Thank You! 4:20
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  3. 3
    Sermonic Selection 6:32
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  4. 4
    Prayer and Selflessness 16:20
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  5. 5
    By Any Means Necessary 3:18
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  6. 6
    Alter Call 3:47
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  7. 7
    Doxology/Offering 13:56
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  8. 8
    They Sang a Hymn and Departed 3:27
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  9. 9
    Postlude 1:47
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