Los Angeles was treated to a powerful and deeply moving performance on Sept. 27 as internationally renowned bass-baritone Davóne Tines and his band THE TRUTH took the stage at Zipper Hall in the Colburn School.
Tines, known for pushing artistic boundaries, presented OpenProcess – “ROBESOИ,” a personal and emotionally charged exploration of the life and legacy of the iconic Paul Robeson. The concert captivated the audience with its bold fusion of classical Americana, electro-gospel, and thought-provoking dialogue, delving into Robeson’s story not through his public monumentality, but through his profound humanity and vulnerability.
Paul Robeson, celebrated as a singer, actor, and tireless activist, has long stood as one of the most influential figures in American culture and politics. Robeson’s fight for racial equality and social justice came at great personal cost, leading to both widespread admiration and governmental persecution. During his performance, Tines paid tribute to Robeson’s legacy in a way that brought new light to the personal struggles behind his public persona.
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Accompanied by pianist John Bitoy and sound artist Khari Lucas, Tines guided the audience through a sonic journey that moved from the grandeur of Carnegie Hall to the quiet introspection of a Moscow hotel room. The performance effortlessly blended elements of classical, funk, gospel, John Adams, and Bach, creating a kaleidoscopic musical experience that captured Robeson’s resilience, artistry, and activism.
In a revealing onstage conversation with Hamza Walker, director The Brick art gallery, Tines shared his personal connection to Robeson’s vocal mastery. Tines explained how studying Robeson’s voice over the past two and a half years had profoundly influenced his own technique.
He spoke of the immense inspiration he drew from Robeson’s natural, untrained, yet incredibly rich and relaxed vocal production, stating, “I wanted to understand how that beautiful voice happened in a technical, physical way.”
This study led Tines to rebuild his own vocal technique, incorporating Robeson’s powerful yet effortless vocal approach into his own diverse repertoire, allowing him to bend and shape his voice across different genres.
Tines also reflected on the significance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem, which he considers his favorite song to perform. In a conversation with Walker, Tines explained how the anthem speaks to the collective journey of Black Americans, honoring both the past and the hope for a brighter future.
He described it as a “better DNA” for a national anthem, one that unites all voices in harmony and embodies the spirit of perseverance and liberty—much like the work and legacy of Paul Robeson himself.
Tines’ performance in Los Angeles followed the recent release of his debut solo recording, “ROBESOИ,” which premiered at New York City’s Little Island last month. The album, available on all major streaming platforms, continues Tines’ exploration of Robeson’s life, unpacking his legacy through a musical journey that spans classical, gospel, and funk.
The track “The House I Live In,” which Tines directed a video for, and “Let It Shine,” released earlier this spring, offer listeners a glimpse into the emotional depth of this personal tribute. The album is available for streaming and download on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Davóne Tines’ performance at Zipper Hall left a lasting impression, not only as a musical tribute to Paul Robeson but as an inspiring testament to the power of vulnerability and resilience in the face of adversity.
By bringing Robeson’s legacy to life in such a personal way, Tines continues to push the boundaries of classical music, using his voice as a powerful tool for both artistic expression and social change.
