[Article from Eurweb.com]
*Celebrated vocalist and performer Elijah Rock is set to release his highly anticipated single, “Route 66,” the first offering from his transformative dementia awareness project, “Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1.” Click to listen.
The single features an ensemble of all-star musicians: Rayford Griffin on drums, Todd Hunter on piano, Reggie Hamilton on bass, Michael O’Neill on guitar, Rastine Calhoun on saxophone, and Michael Hunter on trumpet.
A project fueled by passion, advocacy, and the undeniable power of music, Memories Unleashed aims to bridge generations and spark critical conversations about brain health, all while reviving the timeless classics of The Great American Songbook.
Supported by a Pilot Award for Global Brain Health Leaders, this innovative album serves as more than just a collection of beloved standards—it is a call to action.
Memories Unleashed seeks to highlight the therapeutic power of music, which has been shown to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and foster connections, particularly for those affected by dementia.
With this project, Rock invites listeners on a nostalgic and meaningful journey, using music as a catalyst for awareness, education, and change.
A heartfelt tribute to The Great American Songbook, the album features additional timeless classics such as “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “Here’s To Life,” and “Unforgettable.” Rock’s latest project brings a fresh and soulful interpretation to these beloved standards.
Recently, Elijah Rock was honored in a major feature highlighting his commitment to preserving jazz’s rich legacy and advocating for Black artistry. In the feature story, Rock delves into his passion for music, the cultural significance of jazz, and his mission to raise awareness for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Produced by the esteemed Rayford Griffin with arrangements by Todd Hunter, Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1 masterfully bridges the rich legacy of jazz with contemporary artistry.
The album also features “On A Clear Day,” a stunning duet with Antonia Bennett, daughter of the legendary Tony Bennett, further solidifying Rock’s dedication to honoring jazz’s storied past while innovating for the future.
Memories Unleashed – Album Track List
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
I Just Found Out About Love
Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby
Route 66
My Funny Valentine
Here’s To Life
Unforgettable
Memories Unleashed – A Word Spoken
Dedicated To You
On a Clear Day – Duet with Antonia Bennett
A natural choice for Rock’s velvety baritone and masterful phrasing, Route 66 is a song deeply woven into the fabric of American musical history.
First popularized by Nat ‘King’ Cole, the track captures the essence of adventure and nostalgia, two themes that resonate deeply with Rock’s artistic mission.
His interpretation pays homage to jazz and blues legends who paved the way, while also breathing new life into the classic for contemporary audiences.
As Jazz Weekly states: “It takes a certain kind of artist these days to carry on the torch passed on from the likes of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Freddie Cole, Billy Eckstine, and Joe Williams.”
With Route 66, Rock embraces that mantle with effortless elegance, carrying forth the legacy of jazz’s golden era while using his voice to make a profound impact.
Beyond his musical contributions, Rock is using his platform to make a difference.
As an advocate for dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness, he has dedicated Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1 to supporting The Elijah Rock Foundation Inc., his nonprofit committed to advancing dementia awareness and research.
Proceeds from the album will directly benefit this important cause.
“Music has the power to heal and inspire,” Rock shared in a recent interview.
“Through this project, we aim to celebrate the rich history of jazz while creating meaningful change in the lives of those impacted by dementia.
Rock recently captivated audiences with a special guest appearance where he previewed Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1 and shared his mission of advocacy.
A deeply personal reflection of the album’s theme, Rock has also penned a powerful piece, Memories Unleashed – Poem, which highlights the impact of dementia and Alzheimer’s while emphasizing the healing power of music.
Dementia disproportionately affects Black, Latinx, and other underserved communities, many of whom face late diagnoses and limited access to critical resources.
Through Memories Unleashed, Rock seeks to amplify awareness and foster discussions about brain health within these communities, leveraging music as a universal language of connection.
As an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Rock remains dedicated to merging music, arts, science, and technology to advance brain health research and advocacy.
Memories Unleashed marks the beginning of this journey—an initiative that uses melody and memory to combat stigma, raise awareness, and inspire meaningful action.
With Memories Unleashed, Rock is inviting audiences to not only enjoy the beauty of these timeless songs but to also become part of a larger conversation—one that champions awareness, compassion, and progress.
Upcoming events related to the project will be free to the public, further ensuring accessibility and engagement for all.
Elijah Rock is an award-winning vocalist, performer, and brain health advocate known for his exceptional interpretations of jazz and blues classics.
With a career spanning stage and studio, Rock’s work is defined by his commitment to honoring the greats while using his platform for social impact and cultural preservation.
His latest project, Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1, continues this mission by leveraging the power of music for dementia awareness and brain health advocacy.
Listen to Route 66 now and join the movement!
The album release date is late April, 2025.
For more information on Memories Unleashed, upcoming performances, the mission behind the music or to learn more about The Elijah Rock Foundation, visit: memoriesunleashed.org.
🌐 www.elijahrock.com
🌐 www.theelijahrockfoundation.org
