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NoteSpeak (In a Word)

Lisa Marie Simmons

Label: Ropeadope
Released: 2025
Duration: 01:09:00
Views: 138

Tracks

Intro; Shaping the Yet-to-Be; Worm in a Book; Once Upon This Time; Taijitu; Intent; Solid Ground (Meet Me There); B.A.C.H. Bold as Love; Winner Takes All; Submersion; Frequencies; No Time at All; Outro

Personnel

Lisa Marie Simmons

vocals

Marco Cremaschini

piano

Manuel Caliumi

saxophone, alto

Federico Negri

drums

Marco Cocconi

bass

Additional Personnel / Information

Laura Masotto: violin; Maurizio Giannone: percussion; Christof Bernhard: gong; Gillian Margot: lead vocals; Jamaaladeen Tacuma: bass; Chanele McGuinness: vocals; Vernon Reid: guitars; The Flamingos (Theresa Trigg, Terry Isaiah Johnson): Lead vocals; Charu Suri: piano; Dorian Holley: lead vocals; Nayanna Holley: lead vocals; Clare Murphy: vocals;

Album Description

Project Overview: NoteSpeak (In a Word)

Mission

NoteSpeak (In a Word) is the final album in Lisa Marie Simmons's critically acclaimed spoken-word jazz series, released on Ropeadope. The previous album NoteSpeak 12 garnered 5 stars from Downbeat. Lisa performed some of the new poems at Carnegie Hall in July, 2025 as a guest of Charu Suri and will be returning in November, 2026. Known as a singer/songwriter, published poet, and essayist featured in Huffington Post, Boston Globe, and Kweli Literary Journal, Simmons uses this series to confront contemporary social, political, and environmental issues through the power of words and music. This project harnesses the connective force of language to inspire collective action for a better future, illuminating how the most pressing issues of our time are deeply interconnected.

About NoteSpeak (In a Word)

Blending genres including jazz, afro-beat and electronica with spoken word poetry, NoteSpeak (In a Word) explores how language can bridge divides and inspire empathy. Through compelling storytelling and musical innovation, each track speaks to a different aspect of the human experience, underscoring the interdependence of people and the planet. Themes range from environmental preservation and sustainability to social unity and resilience in times of division.

The album doesn’t address one issue—it weaves together environmental responsibility, peace, and social justice, showing that they are all facets of a shared global challenge. NoteSpeak (In a Word) seeks to inspire reflection on how our individual choices resonate within the larger world.

Why This Project?

NoteSpeak (In a Word) reflects on the power of the conscious use of language to foster understanding, empathy, and a sense of shared responsibility. Through its poetry and music, the album inspires audiences to see themselves within global challenges, and it highlights the transformative potential of storytelling to build a more connected world.

Project Team

Lisa Marie Simmons is an acclaimed poet, singer-songwriter, and performer, known for her nuanced storytelling and genre-defying work. Her previous album, NoteSpeak 12, was awarded Best Spoken Word Album at the World Entertainment Awards and featured in Downbeat Magazine’s Best Albums of 2023. Lisa’s work has been performed at venues from the Venice Biennale to the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival, earning acclaim for its engagement with timely issues.

Marco Cremaschini, co-composer and arranger, is an accomplished jazz pianist whose work is characterized by its emotional depth and stylistic versatility. Together, Lisa and Marco have been Artists in Residence at SUNY Oneonta, a recognition of their commitment to socially engaged art.

Album uploaded by Lisa Marie Simmons