Classic spirituals and hymns universally inspire, empower and unite. Guitarist Walter Parks, longtime sideman to Woodstock legend Richie Havens, reimagines and tributes this historic music with The Unlawful Assembly featuring collaborator/ drummer/producer Steven Williams, Ada Dyer on vocals, Paul Frazier on bass, Michael Bellar on organ and Andrae Murchison on trombone.

In one live-concert experience The Unlawful Assembly entertains and informs while successfully melding roots music of divergent origins. The soundtrack to American black history – old-school spirituals, gospel, blues, and prison work chants intertwine with swamp hollers, shaped-note hymns and Appalachian reels of white homesteader origin. All are presented with Parks’s native Northeast Florida swampy feel which borrows from southern rock, jazz and early 70’s soul. A few of the gospel classics even rest joyfully upon a foundation of modern electronic loops. Reimagined covers and traditionals include: “Wade In The Water”, “Follow The Drinking Gourd”, “Down By The Riverside”, “Steal Away”, “Old Blind Barnabus”, “Amazing Grace”, “Higher Ground” and “Early In The Mornin’”. Walter contributes “Georgia Rice” and a co-write with Stan Lynch of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on “Shoulder It”.