FREQUENCY | Return. Repeat. Replay. This set is inspired by the atmosphere of “Let’s Do
It Again” by The Staples Singers.

This winter, join If I Can’t Dance 2019-2020 Performance in Residence researcher Derrais Carter for Black Revelry Quiet Storm (BRQS), a three-part monthly radio broadcast series that places Carter in the role of the late-night DJ. In its exploration of different modes of storytelling, the show takes its inspiration from the nocturnal ‘Quiet Storm’ radio format, which originated in the 1970s and featured jazz, soul, and R&B songs about romance and intimacy. BRQS is part of Carter’s broader Black Revelry project, which takes up the detail—or “the sample”—as a method for reading the iconic Sugar Shack (1976) by Ernie Barnes, a painting that has circulated widely within Black popular culture (for example, as the cover art for Marvin Gaye’s album I Want You) across over four decades. In so doing, Black Revelry affectively maps Black social life in the United States as it has been registered through the painting’s circulation.

Each show focuses on a key term: GATHERING, DISPERSAL, and FREQUENCY. Thematically, these key terms set the stage for Carter’s close readings of Barnes’ painting, which unfold through song selections, personal commentary, and readings of Black critical theory.

TRACKLIST:
“Yeah, I Said It” (2016) by Rihanna
“Get It Together” (1996) by 702
“Voyage to Atlantis” (1977) by The Isley Brothers
“Is It A Crime” (1985) by Sade
“Sweet Thing” (1975) by Chaka Khan
“Where I Wanna Be” (1999) by Donell Jones
“That’s the Way I Feel About Cha” (1973) by Aretha Franklin
“Every Time He Comes Around” (1974) by Minnie Riperton
“Makings of You” (1974) by Gladys Knight and the Pips
“Let’s Get Closer” (1982) by Atlantic Starr
“I Want You” (1976) by Marvin Gaye
“Come Live With Me, Angel” (1976) by Marvin Gaye
“Call My Name” (2004) by Prince
“Silly Love Song” (1977) by Enchantment
“No One Can Love You More” (1977) by Phyllis Hyman
“In the Mood” (1979) by Tyrone Davis
“Pushin’ Inside You” (1997) by Sons of Funk
“Tell It Like It Is” (1966) by Aaron Neville
“Gone Away” (1970) by Roberta Flack
“You’re Always on My Mind” (1992) by SWV
“Call Me” (1970) by Aretha Franklin
“For Once in My Life” (1973) by Gladys Knight and the Pips
“Stay” (1991) by Jodeci
“The Way” (2000) by Jill Scott
“Strange Love (Feel All My Love Inside)” (1976) by Marvin Gaye
“The Masquerade is Over” (1962) by Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley