The second CD, Strange Fruit, is nearly as ambitious in scope as Marsalis award-winning epic oratorio Blood in the Fields. The nine-movement work was recorded live last spring by the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, the Dillard University Choir and narrator Wendell Pierce. More than a half-dozen participants were also on the Carnival session. The Mayfield- written 90-minute epic, though perhaps inspired by the gut-wrenching and dark classic Billie Holiday recording of the same name, is not derivative of it. This one was written after Mayfield toured the Without Sanctuary exhibit chronicling the history of lynching in the U.S. The result is an interracial love story in the setting of its social and political consequences, told in instrumental music, song and voice. The orchestra swings mightily when appropriate, particularly when the female lover, Mary Anne, comes to realize the healing power of the blues. Indeed there is pain, but yes, there is hope.

Tracks and Personnel

Carnival

Tracks:
1 Carnival (Havana) Mayfield 5:20
2 Camparsa de Carnival Gonzales, Summers 2:24
3 Latin Tinge II Mayfield 5:55
4 Ewesi Para Hevioso Public Domain 1:49
5 Estan Tocando, Pt. 1 Summers 1:53
6 Estan Tocando, Pt. 2 Summers 3:59
7 Indians (6 A.M. Mardi Gras Morning) Mayfield 0:38
8 James Booker Mayfield 8:54
9 Rojo's Revenge Atkins, Brown, Summers, Walker 5:17
10 The Mardi Gras Second Line Mayfield 8:08
11 Cubacajun Carnival Brown, Sebastian, Summers 3:50
12 George Porter Mayfield 3:52
13 Carnival Lullaby (Nite Nite Little Irvin) Mayfield 7:20
14 Alakati Owo Public Domain 0:34
15 Melena Ortiz, Summers 4:10
16 Carnival de Phunk Brown, Summers, Walker 4:59
17 Mardi Gras Bayou Brown, Leblanc, Summers 2:24
18 Carnival Kongo (Congo) Dibala, Summers 5:07
19 Kendavshubi (West Africa) Braswell, Simon, Summers 0:41

Personnel:
Victor Atkins Piano
John Boutt Vocals
Leonard Brown Trumpet
Diblo Dibala Guitar, Vocals
Bernard E. Floyd Trumpet
Michaela Harrison Coro
Carlos Henriquez Bass
Tyrone Henry Jun-Jun
Rashida Johnson Itotele
Edwin Livingston Bass
Phillip Manuel Vocals
Mardi Gras Indians
Ronald Markham Piano, Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer
Irvin Mayfield Trumpet, Hammond Organ, Vocals
Derrick Moss Drums
George Porter, Jr. Bass
Shannon Powell Tambourine
Kermit Ruffins Vocals, Narrator
Ricky Sebastian Drums
Kenyatta Simon Bells, Djembe, Shekere
Bill Summers Percussion, Vocals, Djembe, Coro, Okonkolo, Itotele
Stephen Walker Trombone
Brice Winston Tenor Sax