Lou Orchestra, My Morning Jacket honor Ali

A new recording of a musical tribute “Float Rumble Rest” by Louisville Orchestra director Teddy Abrams was released Friday, the day of Muhammad Ali's funeral, after plans to record it came together the day after Ali’s death.

The music features guitarist Jim James of the Louisville-based rock band My Morning Jacket and was recorded by sonaBLAST! Records, founded by Louisvillian Gill Holland. All sales from the new recording, available on iTunes, Google Play and other services. All proceeds to benefit the Muhammad Ali Center.

Teddy Abrams leads tribute to Ali

The orchestra announced in April  that Abrams had been working on the piece, which the orchestra will feature in next season’s Festival of American Music concerts slated for April 28 and 29.

Just after Ali’s death, Abrams performed music on the plaza of the Muhammad Ali Center with 
Jecorey “1200” Arthur and jazz singer Carly Johnson and led a rendition of “Amazing Grace” with nearly 100 people singing along.

Ali lives on in dreams of Louisville youths

Holland said the recording came together after he saw Abrams at a record release party with sonaBLAST! artists at the Haymarket Whisky Bar on Saturday, the day after Ali’s death.

The cover image for the recording is art by Letitia Quesenberry, who had created a portrait of Ali for a 2009 children’s book produced as a fundraiser for the Speed Art Museum.

MORE COVERAGE:

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Live blog: Friday events honoring Muhammad Ali

Follow the latest Ali updates from CJ staff tweets

Friday Ali events: How to watch

Ali procession: Route, parking, street closures, parking

Schedule for Muhammad Ali memorial service at the KFC Yum! Center

Muhammad Ali memorial: Who is coming?

Muhammad Ali: Honoring a hometown hero

Reach reporter Elizabeth Kramer at (502) 582-4682 and ekramer@courier-journal.com. Follow her on Twitter @arts_bureau and on Facebook at Elizabeth Kramer - Arts Writer.