Profiles

Vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd has created a discography of mostly original compositions dedicated to a sacred jazz expression. For more than twenty-five years she has been at the forefront of creating vocal jazz settings that express theology and justice. Critics praise Floyd’s music for its distinctive sound of progressive ensemble jazz that is seamlessly blended with messages of hope, faith, redemption, and love. Floyd has worked at and lectured on the intersection of faith, art, theology, and justice throughout her career. Frederick Douglass Jazz Works is Floyd’s latest body of compositions for jazz septet, based on the speeches and writings of the great orator, abolitionist, writer, publisher, and statesman.