Angel Bat Dawid is a Black American Composer, Improviser, Clarinetist, Pianist, Vocalist, Educator and DJ. In 2019 she released her debut album The Oracle with Chicago label International Anthem Recording Co.. Recorded using only her cell phone in various locations, the album received wide-spread critical-acclaim with Pitchfork declaring it, “a vibrant, spiritual, free-jazz document of black life as it stands today”. As an educator, Angel teaches her Great Black Music course at Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center through Old Town School of Folk. She is clarinetist in Damon Locks’ Black Monument Ensemble, and she hosts a monthly music show on NTS Radio (via International Anthem).
This immersive audio experience invites you to engage deeply with one of the most significant and enigmatic texts of antiquity. The Book of Enoch, an ancient Jewish apocalyptic work, has been highly revered and preserved primarily within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Beta Israel traditions. Attributed to Enoch – the great-grandfather of the biblical Noah – this text explores profound themes of angels, demons, morality, and cosmic judgment, offering a rich and compelling narrative for those interested in spirituality, mysticism, and humanity’s quest for understanding.
However, as we delve into this work, it is imperative to acknowledge the cultural challenges shaped by historical dominance and marginalisation that have often skewed interpretations of ancient texts. There exists a troubling tendency within white culture to dismiss significant literature – especially that which arises from nonwhite traditions – as mere fairy tales or superstitions. This dismissive approach often stems from a prevailing atheism or skepticism that regards ancient narratives not as profound explorations of the human experience but rather as primitive folklore devoid of truth. Such attitudes are, quite frankly, both arrogant and disrespectful to the wisdom of ancient peoples, who conveyed complex understandings of the natural world through stories, music, and writings.
These narratives encapsulate humanity’s efforts to make sense of existence, morality, and the cosmos. It is essential to challenge this superficial perspective and acknowledge that ancient wisdom offers insights often overlooked by contemporary thought. In orchestrating music inspired by the themes of The Book of Enoch, I aim to confront this narrative and reclaim the significance of these stories, emphasising the richness and depth they possess.
Through this sonic discourse, I wish to bridge ancient themes with contemporary musical compositions, utilising sound as a means to evoke and challenge our perceptions of spirituality and art. May these soundscapes resonate with the narratives of The Book of Enoch, celebrating the ancient wisdom embedded within its pages and fostering a more equitable understanding of our shared human heritage.
Instructions for listening and engagement:
As you embark on this journey through The Book of Enoch, here is the full text: https://shorturl.at/su64i.
I encourage you to listen to this soundscape on repeat nine times as there are 108 chapters and the entire track time is 43:20 allowing the music to deepen your connection to each section of the text. Here are some guidelines to enhance your experience:
Read Aloud: As you listen, take the time to read the text of the Book of Enoch aloud. Engaging with the material vocally will deepen your understanding and connection to the intricate narratives.
Take Notes: Equip yourself with pen and paper to jot down your thoughts and reflections on each passage. Allow your personal interpretations and feelings to emerge as you engage with the text and music.
Interpret the Text in Three Ways:
In the Text: Focus on understanding the story itself. Identify characters and cultural storylines by referencing a Bible or The Book of Jasher. Immerse yourself in the narrative.
Behind the Text: Consider the historical context in which this text was written. Research the times of oppression and the apocalyptic literature prevalent during that era. Understanding this backdrop will enrich your interpretation of the text’s themes.
In Front of the Text: Reflect on how cultural elements presented in the text may differ from our contemporary societal norms. Recognise patriarchal dynamics and other social factors inherent to the time of its writing. Explore how these aspects resonate within our current context – drawing parallels to today’s struggles and societal frameworks.
Stay Open-Minded: Keep an open heart and mind as you navigate through the text and sound. Trust your interpretations and feelings; the music serves as a guiding post throughout your exploration.
In closing, I wish you peace and light along this transformative journey. May the intersections of ancient wisdom and contemporary reflection illuminate your path as you engage with The Book of Enoch.
Peace and Light,
Angel Bat Dawid
All Music composed, recorded, performed (clarinets, synths, piano, vocals) mixed and mastered in 432hz By Angel Bat Dawid in 2024, except for “Mi Ala Shamayim” composed and arranged by Angel Bat Dawid and Dawid Ben Dawid (my Father), featuring Percy Metcaff: vocals; Vandy Harris(AACM): saxophone; and Chicago Avant Garde Session musicians recorded in 2001.