Cecil
Interestingly, in 2011, I recorded "Circle of Life" from The Lion King for Disney Jazz's release "Everybody Wants to be a Cat" which also featured Esperanza Spalding, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Dave Brubeck, The Bad Plus among others.
"Cecil" is a composition I wrote which pays tribute to the life and death of the majestic lion named Cecil who was murdered in July 2015. Cecil's death was tragic and unnecessary. It not only brought to light many issues and concerns surrounding the grotesque practice of luring an animal out of its sanctuary in order to be killed, but also how humans view and treat all animals. I hope because of Cecil's life and death, we will learn as Ghandi stated so eloquently, “the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being.” The life of any animal is precious. I firmly believe in what Albert Schweitzer wrote...
“We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace.”
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
I hope this composition and accompanying video inspires you to support your local animal charities and to spread the love our world so badly needs. I hope it is thought provoking. And I hope you enjoy the music itself.
*Please share this video with your friends.
*Learn more: http://wildcru.org/
*Freely download the MP3 and sheet music: http://markrapp.com/cecil/
Rest in peace dear Cecil,
Mark
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ABOUT "CECIL"
Mark Rapp: trumpet, didgeridoo
Jonathan Lovett: piano
Dustin Retzlaff: bass
Jay Ware: doumbek, vibes
Recorded July 31, by Paul Bodamer (janglyrecords.com)
Original artwork: Sean Mosher-Smith (echodesignlab.com)