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FreeWorld—More Love—Collectors Choice Music
Thirty seven years ago, one Memphis based
saxophonist, the late Dr. Herman Green, conceived the
germ of an idea of creating a fluidly musical ensemble,
which continuously embraced and joyously played all
types of music from all across the musical spectrum.
Now, this latest incarnation of the ensemble has
recorded this, their eighth album, in Memphis,
between January and May 2024. Although there are
featured artists such as; the horn section of Alex
Schuetrumpf; trumpet and flugelhorn, Frank Paladino; baritone saxophone,
Freedman Steorts on trombone, the sheer number of musicians playing here is too
numerous to mention such as; 29 background vocalists. The main players though,
are; Richard Cushing; lead vocals and guitars, Peter Climie; tenor, alto and baritone
saxophones, Cedric Taylor; all keyboards, Walter Hughes; guitars and Matt Sweat on
drums.
The fourteen original compositions here are a musical soundtrack to a love of life
and a life of love. ‘Outta Sight’, and ‘Give Until You Live’, emphasise this with bursting
horns and a funky lust for life. ‘More Love’, is infused with a gentle Memphis gospel
feel, coaxing all, to give more goodness and light. The instrumental ‘Red Moon’,
possesses a light funky urban feel with a sunburst of reassuring trumpet.
‘To Arise’, is a jolly, horn driven funky toe-tapper disguising a simple, never ending
and sombre plea for justice. Another instrumental is the frenetically pounding ‘Rush
Hour’. ‘Heart On The Table’, is a dreamy, relaxing reggae tune. The slow winding
‘11:11 On Beale’, conjures the pleasant memories of a Memphis past, to the present.
The laid back, cruising ‘Life For Tomorrow’, enthuses you to live for today, not
tomorrow.
Instrumentals ‘Who Knew’ and ‘Colour Trip’, take you on a relaxing, weaving and
wafting, musical trip. ‘Nothin’ Wrong’, continues this theme. Bonus numbers are an
alternate version of ‘More Love’ and ‘D-Up (Here’s To Diversity)’.
Recommended!
Brian Harman
Mississippi MacDonald—I Got What You Need—
APM Records
Mississippi MacDonald despite the name is a singer,
guitarist and songwriter from London, England. He is
starting to make people sit up and take notice on the
British blues scene with two prestigious awards from
the UK Blues Federation this year.
The album opens with the sharp and crisp sounding
title track ‘I Got What You Need’. ‘We’re Gonna Make It’ is a Little Milton cover that