ListN Up playlists are commissioned by American Composers Forum. Artists are selected by ACF staff (including I CARE IF YOU LISTEN and innova Recordings).
Caitlin Edwards is a multi-genre violinist, composer and recording artist based in Chicago. She released her debut album Exhale in 2021 and her sophomore album Mere Mortals in 2023, and is an active performer with D-Composed, Ensemble Dal Niente, and Sphinx Virtuosi. Her achievements include a 2023 GPMF Advocate for the Arts award, a Sphinx MPower Artist Grant, and Grammy certificates for contributions to Disney’s The Lion King and albums by John Legend and PJ Morton.
Hi there! My name is Caitlin Edwards and I am a violinist and composer based in Chicago, Illinois. I am super excited to share this music with you all on this ListN Up Playlist. The music on the playlist consists of songs that have influenced me as a musician and as an artist, songs that I’ve grown up with, and some songs that I’ve recently discovered in the past few years; and also songs that have just been dear to my heart and helped me through difficult times. So, I hope you enjoy and find peace while listening to this music. Thanks!
“Young, Gifted, and Black” by Nina Simone and Weldon Irvine, Performed by PUBLIQuartet
Nina Simone’s “Young, Gifted, and Black” is a song that’s spanned generations and was part of the soundtrack of the Civil Rights and Black Power movement. This is a song of empowerment and encouragement, and causes me to think about my friends and colleagues who inspire me day by day! I love listening to the PUBLIQuartet’s rendition of this song, and I’m sure you will too!
“Harvest for the World,” by Ernie and Marvin Isley, Chris Jasper, O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald Isley, Performed by The Isley Brothers
I am always amazed when I think about the career span of the Isley Brothers. I grew up with them making unforgettable R&B classics in the early 2000’s but this song created in 1976 presents a totally different style and message than the hits “Contagious” and “Busted.” “Harvest for the World” was created after the Vietnam War ended, in the midst of a bad economy, unrest and inequality throughout the world and in the US. The Isley Brothers posed the question, “When will there be a harvest for the world?” I believe this question remains relevant to the times we live in today.
“Hymn to Him” by John McLaughlin, Performed by McLaughlin, the Mahavishnu Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra
I was introduced to this album in undergrad, while exploring music by John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. I love the combination of jazz, funk, psychedelic rock, and the influences of Indian classical music, in the compositions of John McLaughlin. This album blew my mind, so I definitely suggest checking out the full album Apocalypse. Just this song alone will take you on an unpredictable journey, so sit back and enjoy!
“Jesus is a Love Song,” by Twinkie Clark, Performed by Karen Clark Sheard and The Clark Sisters
I have fond memories of listening to this album off of a cassette tape in my grandmother’s car as a child. Karen Clark Sheard’s vocal abilities are out of this world, and this song in particular reminds me of a concerto of some sort, with all of the virtuosic leaps and runs of the voice, and the extended form of the song . This will always be a classic in my Gospel collection and close to my heart.
Psalm 138:7 by Joy Guidry
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.” I chose this song from Joy’s album, because it is so peaceful and calming. Joy Guidry is an internationally acclaimed composer and bassoonist, and she creates music from the soul with the combination of bassoon and electronics. Check out Joy’s full album Amen!
“Greater” by John P. Kee, Performed by Kee and The New Life Community Choir
This is one of the songs I listen to when I’m having performance anxiety, am facing tough decisions, or just feeling down. I feel encouraged and equipped to face whatever I’m going through whenever I listen to this song! 🙌🏾 John P. Kee is one of my favorite gospel artists. I grew up listening to his music and it influences the music I make today and my artistic voice.
Violin Concerto: II. Dramma musicale, eroico, lirico e gioioso by Edgar Meyer, Performed by Hilary Hahn, Hugh Wolff, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
I believe I came across this concerto by Edgar Meyer during the pandemic in 2020. I remember going on walks by the lake and keeping this movement on repeat. I am obsessed with the second movement and I’m always amazed by how Hilary Hahn eats up the violin (throughout) but especially at the end! 👑
“Prototype” by André 3000, Performed by OutKast
This is a classic OutKast hit that we often perform in D-Composed during our d-compressed events. It has become part of the soundtrack of my life, with its calm and cool melodies. André 3000 🙂↕️🙂↕️
“I Am the Black Gold of the Sun” by Richard Rudolph and Charles Stepney, Performed by The Rotary Connection
Kicking it back to the 70’s for this final song! I was introduced to this song while performing a concert in honor of the composer/musician Charles Stepney a few years ago in Chicago. Charles Stepney co-created the band The Rotary Connection in 1966 and went on to record and produce albums for fellow band member Minnie Riperton, Deniece Williams, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Ramsey Lewis, and more. I love the soulful psychedelic feel that weaves throughout this music. To me, the song serves as an anthem of self-discovery and empowerment, reminding me of my identity and our collective essence as a people.
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