I’m happy to announce that my collaborator Norman L. Berman and I have released a new demo song for our exciting, epic musical “The Burning of the White House.”

Entitled “Mistuh Tree”, the song is sung by the main character of the play – 15-year-old Paul Jennings, a house slave to James and Dolley Madison – who grows from boy to man during the chaos and drama surrounding the British invasion of Washington, DC and the burning of the White House during the War of 1812.

As Dolley Madison and her retinue flee the White House, Paul is accidentally left behind and captured by the British army. In short order, Paul is taken hostage and his very life is threatened – but thankfully, he is able to flee and escape British clutches. In desperation, the young slave finds refuge up a nearby tree, as British soldiers search for him below. While up the tree, Paul considers his precarious situation and the fact that he almost lost his life for the very people who have enslaved him.

“Mistuh Tree” is a song of both bitterness and empowerment, as Paul considers his condition as a slave and embraces a brave determination to be a free man.

Many thanks to Norman for managing this beautiful recording and for the excellent singer, Tonnocus McClain, who has brought such passion and feeling to the song.

Hope you enjoy the audio!