COINCIDENTALLY during the week the CIA opened its files on the JFK assassination, Americans had another reason to flash back to 1963: the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the March On Washington for Civil Rights led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In celebration of this milestone, initially made historic by the "I Have A Dream" speech, March On, an album focusing on the theme of civil rights, has been released.

Recorded in Tennessee where the movement began, the album features numerous artists, musicians and choirs including the National Civil Rights Museum 25th Anniversary Mas Choir. Uplifting interpretations of traditional songs like 'We Shall Not Be Moved', 'Keep Your Eyes On the Prize', and other freedom songs including the Curtis Mayfield classic, 'People Get Ready', articulate past responses to the climate of the times. But the pivotal tracks are the ones that respond to current situations.

Alternately, the newer songs question and demand the realisation of Dr. King's legacy. 'The Dream' begins with the famous quote by Rodney King, "Can we all get along?" and later asks "Is the dream alive?". The emotionally charged arrangement, on a par with what Quincy Jones might have mastered, features Patti Austin singing over excerpts of MLK's 'Dream' speech and later affirms "The dream is alive."

The freedom song is brought into the post-rock era by a combination of gospel, hip hop and political lyrics in 'Stand For Something'. This energetic mix makes no bones about its intent to instruct, and includes a chronology of events and life-spans of black heroes and heroines. Without assuming an alienating posture, 'Stand' carries honest expressions of the ongoing frustration, such as "Never stop fighting, never quit, the rich get richer and the poor don't git."

But as the struggle continues for economic justice, social integration and equality, the bearers of the legacy of MLK are reminded of the sprit and hope which their leader exemplified. Nowhere is this more evident than the closing song, 'Martin' which also contains portions of the 'Dream' speech, this time with the "Free at last" passage highlighted.

Throughout, the concept album is infused with optimism and, all told, it is a stirring tribute to one of the most important leaders of the 20th century. In the words of the man himself, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." This historic recording is a must, not just for Americans, but for people around the world committed to civil rights and equality.

• Melissa Knight