Ulysses Owens Jr. - Songs of Freedom (2019)

Key proof that great songs never get old – and maybe even more, that the political messages of yesterday still have plenty of power today! Drummer Ulysses Owens mines the righteous territory of the 60s and 70s here – bringing together songs originally performed by Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln, and Joni Mitchell – all with a fresher, more contemporary approach that resonates surprisingly strongly – especially given the superb vocals on the album by Rene Marie, Theo Bleckmann, Alicia Olatuja, and Joanna Majoko! You'll no doubt know some of these songs – and most of the originals have been inspiring us for many years – but Owens finds a great way to open them up and make them sound even more vibrant, working with a group that also includes Allyn Johnson on Fender Rhodes and Hammond, David Rosenthal on guitars, and Reuben Rogers on bass. Titles include "Balm In Gilead", "Borderline", "Driva Man", "Baltimore", "Everything Must Change", "Freedom Day", "Be My Husband", "Mississippi Goddamn", and "Both Sides Now".

Tracklist:
01. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Nina
02. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Everything Must Change
03. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Mississippi Goddam
04. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Balm in Gilead
05. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Be My Husband
06. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Baltimore
07. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Joni
08. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Both Sides Now
09. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Freedom Day
10. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Driva' Man
11. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Borderline
12. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Abbey
13. Ulysses Owens Jr. - Oh Freedom