Dazzled by the captivating array of objects and artistic treasures curated by the visionary American artist, Theaster Gates at the enchanting Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago, Corrine Bailey Rae's Black Rainbows emerges as an exquisite collection of musical gems. The new album includes an assortment of soul-stirring songs, accompanied by the beautifully captured essence of the Arts Bank in the book Refraction/Reflection of the Arts Bank, masterfully lensed by the Koto Bolofo. But that's not all – the grandeur continues with live performances, captivating visuals, and more. This splendid leap forward marks a bold evolution from Bailey Rae's previous endeavors, showcasing her boundless artistic courage.

In celebration of this remarkable project, Bailey Rae has embarked on a tour to select cities across the U.S. The live show will visit prestigious venues, including Yale University’s Schwarzman Center, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at the University of Chicago, and an eagerly anticipated appearance at the 35th Annual Chinati Weekend in the artistic haven of Marfa, TX.

Bailey Rae reflects with profound gratitude, "Stepping through those doors was a life-altering moment for me. My encounter with Theaster Gates and his transformative artistic vision has reshaped my own identity as an artist and expanded the horizons of my creative possibilities. These melodies emerged from my visual explorations, as seeing became akin to hearing. Amidst my gaze, harmonious sounds emerged, giving life to these captivating songs."

Spanning a rich tapestry of themes, Black Rainbows draws its inspiration from the profound interactions with the Arts Bank's diverse collection. This treasure trove of Black archives, featuring literary works, sculptures, records, furnishings, and even challenging artifacts from America's complex history, serves as a wellspring of inspiration. From the majestic rock-hewn churches of Ethiopia to the courageous odysseys of Black Pioneers venturing westward; from the captivating aura of Miss New York Transit 1957 to the poetic allure of the sunset as witnessed from Harriet Jacobs’ secret vantage point – Black Rainbows artfully explores the realms of Black femininity, the magic of spellwork, the mysteries of inner and outer space, the collapse of time, ancestral connections, and the boundless power of music to elevate the soul.

Remaining steadfast in her homage to the profound legacy of African American art, Bailey Rae has selected Amanda Williams and Koto Bolofo to helm the artistic direction and photography for this release. Amanda Williams, a distinguished 2022 Macarthur Fellow, has graced esteemed museums like New York's iconic Museum of Modern Art and Chicago's esteemed Museum of Contemporary Art with her groundbreaking work. Likewise, Koto Bolofo, a luminary in his own right, stands as the proud recipient of the 2022 Lucie Award for Achievement in Advertising in Photography while his visionary editorials have graced the pages of publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ, among others.