So Peace
We are only here for a little while
So love

We are only here for a little while
So give as nature does her tender charm

We are only here for a little while
So be beautiful as a forest flower

We are only here for a little while
So love
So see
So beautiful
So peace

Words and music by Yusef Lateef:
© 2002 Fana Music, Inc. (BMI)

A personal message from Yusef Lateef

Dear Friends:
When I wrote "So Peace" in 1969, it was one of two new musical adventures that year. "So Peace" was one of my first tries at setting words to music, and it was more of an art song than the traditional blues format which was second nature to me. I also composed my first symphonic work in 1969, a seven-movement Blues Suite which was premiered in Augusta, GA and recorded in Cologne, Germany.

While many other orchestral commissions and performances have since come my way, the master of "So Peace" did not became available for release until late 2001, thanks to Joel Dorn and Ahmet Ertegun.

The year 2002 marks the Tenth Anniversary of YAL Records, and "So Peace" was an obvious choice not only to celebrate that occasion, but to celebrate life itself. The headlines each day remind us just how precious and fleeting every moment of life truly is. I hope you will find the message of "So Peace" meaningful any time you celebrate special moments in your life or the life of anyone dear to you.

Yusef Lateef - Tenor Saxophone, Germanic Flute, Altgaita, Shenai, Bamboo Flutes, Indian Temple Flute, Moan Flute, and Vocals

Sylvia Cooper O'Daniel - Vocals | Josiah Cuneo - Percussion

Kamal Sabir - Drums and Percussion | Kermit Moore - Cello | Selwart Clark - Viola

Music published by Alnur Music | Recorded in 2001