This is a very impressive album which I believe falls into the category of 'world jazz'. If I chose an album of the year, this would be a strong contender. I was thoroughly put off at first as the publicity sheet said that this singer and composer had based her songs partly around problems that she'd experienced during the previous 5 years, including the pandemic, political turmoil, a miscarriage, the death of her brother and also the birth of her son. But this album is no misery memoir but a joyful optimistic set of songs of hope.
The track-list below shows the basic theme of each song and I've added the main lyrical theme for some of the tracks. The style of music is chant-like, often over electronic beats and wisps of song and instrumentation, giving a very 'African' feel to the music. Freedom Day is a good example of all this, with the opening of backing voices and drumbeats, then cries of 'whisper now free' and 'freedom day' from female voices, followed by sweet bowing on the Adjuah instrument, then a very long cry of 'free' to end the track.
The band of talented, inventive musicians is called SCOPE and they work regularly with Ms Charles. This is their fourth album together. Ms Charles is based in Brooklyn and has toured and recorded with the world jazz ensemble Ajoyo, as well as working with Chief Xian a Tunde Adjuah (aka Christian Scott), Jarrett Cherner, and Jesse Fischer.
The album is available on the label Stretch Music. Ann Alex
Guest House Intro...for humanity; Borders...for finding home; Blank Canvas...for beginning again (power is gain); Angel Spark... for angel baby (can you love the thing that never was?; Malba...for women of colour; Freedom Day (with Adjuah)...for true liberty (whisper now free freedom day); Brother (featuring Adjuah)...for Luke (I see you laughing); Out Loud...for those struggling; Blind Emotions...for growth; Be the Solution...for Grace; The message...for the higher self (I will find my way home).
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