FreeWorld — “More Love” — Swirldisc

Imagine a band so joyously creative that for 37 years, dozens of its current and former members have perpetuated a magical Memphis musical tradition as a popular Beale Street jam band, filled with multiple styles from funk to psychedelia, offering a spiritual union of Memphis, New Orleans, and San Francisco.

Meet FreeWorld: A musical ensemble that’s been evolving since a young bassist Richard Cushing met legendary saxophonist Herman Green in1987 and formed the band’s nucleus. Green passed in 2020, but Cushing remains a driving force as bassist, lead singer and writer or co-writer of most of the songs on this session, along with sax player Peter Climie.

“More Love” is FreeWorld’s eighth album and showcases the band at a creative high point in musical breadth and originality. There are whiffs of Bob Marley, the Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Steely Dan, Chicago, and the Meters. But the unique music they weave from this eclectic tapestry belongs only to FreeWorld.

The “More Love” core members are a band of brothers and sisters from many grooves: Cushing, Climie, Cedric Taylor on keyboards, Alex Schuetrumpf on trumpet, Courtney Reid as a lead and backup singer, Frank Paladino on sax, Freedman Steorts on trombone, Walter Hughes on guitar and Matt Sweatt on drums. There are cameo turns by more than a dozen special guests and FreeWorld alumni – including the Tennessee Mass Choir on the title track.

The band roars out of the gate with “Outta Sight,” horns soaring and a B3 pulsing, copping an attitude for everything that follows: “So get the message / Just catch the vibe / Take the journey and enjoy the ride.” Expressive songwriting makes a statement on the horn-fed “Give Until You Live”: “Sometimes you’re sure you’ll win / Sometimes you’re full of doubt / If you don’t go within / Then you will go without.”

The title song, “More Love,” with Jerome Chism as lead vocalist, offers a spiritual and musical hint of Bob Marley with its rich emotional appeal: “Every time you get a chance / Don’t leave it to happenstance / Spread your Love to those around you / What’ll happen will astound you.” For the eloquent instrumental “Red Moon,” Cushing brought together five of the six original FreeWorld members from 1987 as a tribute to its composer and band founding father Green, with his spoken words bringing it to a solemn close.

Joyful music highlights the somber plea of “To Arise” — “It’s time for justice to arise / We’ve got to up our eyes / And start listening to the wise.” “Rush Hour” is a heart-pounding instrumental musical rush; “Heart On the Table” bids for an open heart: “Lay your heart out on the table / Seek the truth / Stop chasing those fables.”

“11:11 on Beale” conjures the spirit of Beale Street and its musical heritage with a musical intro and a spoken ode to its late-night mysteries: “We be Bobby “Blue” Bland’s moan, / Aretha’s gospel home / We are home of the blues, / Birthplace of rock & roll.” The heartfelt “Life for Tomorrow” offers sage advice: “So don’t live your life for tomorrow / Live it today.”

The instrumental “Who Knew?” soars on a magnificent horn section, then “Nothin’ Wrong” adds a little funkified whimsy: “In our world here we belong / We just dance and sing our songs / Ain’t nothin’ wrong with bein’ strong.” The jazzy instrumental “Color Trip” takes flight and you can almost see the colors on this effervescent seven-minute trip.

As if all that glorious music isn’t enough, two bonus tracks offer an alternate take of the title track featuring Walter White on vocals, and an audio cut from the award-winning video “D-Up (Here’s to Diversity)” featuring a soulful vocal turn from Courtney Reid – “Sink or swim, we’re all in this together / And there’ll be times where it’s more than we can weather / With communication, respect, and harmony.”

FreeLove members are definitely “all in this together,” effortlessly creating the emotional richness of “More Love” with smartly vivid lyricism framed by their joyous music.

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Here’s “D-Up (Here’s to Diversity)” from the album:

Tracklist:
1. Outta sight 4:18
2. Give until you live 4:48
3. More love 3:59
4. Red moon 4:12
5. To arise 4:16
6. Rusk hour 3:39
7. Heart on the table 4:48
8. 11:11 On Beale 5:35
9. Life for tomorrow 5:27
10. Who knew? 5:08
11. Nothin’ wrong 4:15
12. Color trip 7:04
Bonus tracks:
13 More love {Alternate Version} 3:59
14. D-UP (Here’s to diversity) 4:38

Ollee Owens — “Nowhere to Hide” — Ollee Owens Music

Canadian singer Ollee Owens’ luminous second album, “Nowhere to Hide,” blows in like a cool breeze out of the farming community of New Bothwell, Manitoba, fresh and bluesy, a soulful session filled with music shaped by her own life and feelings.

Owens is not a newcomer but a veteran singer-songwriter who took a 15-year break to raise a family and now finds herself ready to tell her musical stories with a rich, emotional vocal style that gives life to her passionate lyrics.

The album features a varied cast of excellent backing musicians, pulled together by producer and drummer Bobby Blazier. They float creatively through arrangements that carry inflections of jazz, blues and soul.

The opening (and title) track, “Nowhere to Hide,” strides in with a Southern blues-rock feel, heavy with guitars and pulsating organ behind a tough vocal message: “Trouble, trouble, trouble, ain’t no trouble gonna bring us down.” A sensuous sax and rippling organ help drive “Solid Ground” into jazzier territory, with Owens’ seemingly effortless strong vocals.

The rhythmic, upbeat in spirit and style, “Some Days” grows out of a faith in human resilience. A gentler, slightly funky “Roots” features a softer Owens vocal turn, giving her a chance to emphasize the eloquent lyrics. “Love You Better” rocks in with a chuckle and bouncy beat. “Still In Pieces” is a lovely ballad with an almost-whispered intro and a mournful lyric: “All in pieces now, don’t know what to do.”

“Shivers and Butterflies” is an elegant ballad exploring the feelings of love: “You light up my eyes, you make me feel so alive, I just love, love, lovin’ you.” The soaring, rollicking blues of “My Man” continues that sentiment. “Love Hung Around” continues a recurring love theme that fills much of Owens’ music with gentle passion driven by the blues. “The Neighborhood“ pushes its horns front and center, giving this track a different edge.

“Lord Protect My Child, a Bob Dylan song, is a glorious bit of singing and musical backing in the finest gospel tradition, dedicated to one of her three daughters who has a cognitive disability. “My daughter is twenty-three now, but there’s still a lot of vulnerability…the desire for protecting and taking care of her will never go away.”

“Nowhere to Hide” is a superb sophomore effort from Ollee Owens, whose powerful singing and smart songwriting deserve a much wider audience. You owe it to yourself to hear her music.

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Here’s “Some Days” from the album:

Track List and Credits:
1. Nowhere To Hide 3:55
2. Solid Ground 2:47
3. Some Days 4:15
4. Roots 4:52
5. Love You Better 3:45
6. Still in Pieces 4:14
7. Shivers and Butterflies 4:42
8. My Man 3:22
9. Love Hung Around 3:59
10. The neighborhood 4:06
11. Lord Protect My Child 6:29

Musicians:
Guitar: Will McFarlane (Tracks 1,2,4-6,8-10) Phil Hughley (Tracks 1,2,4-6,8-10) Chris Rodriguez (Tracks 3,7,11)
Bass: Tommy Sims (Tracks 1,2,4-10) Craig Young (Tracks 3,11)
Drums/Percussion: Bobby Blazier (All Tracks)
Keys/Organ/Piano: DeMarco Johnson (Tracks 3,4,6,7,10,11) Gabe Klein (Tracks 1,2,5,8,9)
Horns: Rahsaan Barber (Sax on tracks 2,10) Cord Martin (Sax on track 11) Roland Barber (Trumpet on track 10)
Background Vocals: Joey Richey (Tracks 2-11) Gene Miller (Tracks 2-10) Minnie Pearl (Track 11)

Songwriter Credits
Ollee Owens, Kornelius Colyn: Some Days/Love You Better/Still in Pieces/Roots/Shivers and Butterflies
Ollee Owens, Will McFarlane: Solid Ground/My Man
Ollee Owens, Phil Hughley: Nowhere to Hide
Will McFarlane, Tommy Coomes: Love Hung Around
David Hidalgo, Louie Perez: The Neighborhood
Bob Dylan: Lord Protect My Child

Jovin Webb — “Drifter” — Blind Pig Records

Jovin Webb is finally getting a chance to tell the story of his musical life.

The Baton Rouge-based bluesman had just about given up on his dreams when he got a rousing welcome on American Idol in 2020, and then his newfound fame led to this powerful bayou-drenched debut album.

It’s also the emotional story of a young man searching for — everything. “It’s me trying to figure out religion, women, my career, and everything I’ve gone through,” Webb says.

“At a young age, the longing and pain expressed by Southern Black Baptist church music spoke to me, but as I experienced my own trials and tribulations, I felt the pull of the blues,” Webb says. “I soon realized that gospel and blues are related. Someone with the blues is in a low place, and when you seek salvation you’re also usually in a low place.”

All of Webb’s searching comes together in this splendid 12-song set that features classic down-home blues, soulful ballads and a few hard-rocking tracks, fueled by his eloquent harp work. The mostly original songs here, mainly from Webb and producer Tom Hambridge, speak to Webb’s personal and very emotional quest for meaning. Hambridge also plays drums, with Kenny Greenberg on guitar, Mike Rojas on piano and keyboards, and Rob Cureton on bass.​

“Drifter” roars to life with “Bottom of a Bottle,” a wicked harp riff intro to a down and dirty blues that unlocks the rawness of Webb’s vocal grit and personal pain: “Take a shot for my troubles, take a shot for pain, at the bottom of a bottle, I’ll wash your sins down the drain.” “Save Me” is a gentler take: “I was raised not to judge another of a man by the color of their skin.”

“I’m A Drifter” is the title theme, with a percussive feel that pays tribute to The Temptations “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and Muddy Water’s “Rolling Stone.” “Drunk On Your Love” is a love song that turns Webb’s vocal style into a soulful gem. “Wig on Wrong” is good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll with Rojas on barrelhouse piano, and Little Richard’s spirit lurking in the background. “Livin’ Reckless” is another sensuous slow blues that Webb’s voice, aged beyond its years, was born to sing:  “So many mistakes I’ve made… I’ve been fearless, foolish, but still here somehow, Lord, help me find my way.”  “Blues for a Reason” is an uplifting ode that explains why he sings: “I got my own story to tell, I sing the blues for a reason.”

Webb pours his soul into the heartfelt “Mine Someday” — “I have been trying so hard to get your attention / I would do anything to make you my girl.”  “Hand on the Bible” is laced with R&B rhythms and a vow to gain her love. But the her “Bad Deeds” “is messing with my mind / I bring home the bacon, you feed me crumbs,” filled the spirit of classic blues turned out with a funky harp flurry. “It’s The Hawk” rocks in on a fierce cold Chicago wind that greets him on his arrival from Louisiana.

Everything gets wrapped up nicely with a tough cover of the Albert King classic, Booker T’s “Born Under a Bad Sign” with Max Abrams adding sax and Julio Diaz on trumpet. You get the feeling that this is also Webb bringing some of his own personal pain into the mix.

But the pain of the blues is also tempered by its pleasures, and that’s what the talented Jovin Webb has graced us with on his superb “Drifter.” Let’s hope it’s just the beginning.

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“Drunk On Your Love” from “Drifter”

Track List:
1. Bottom of a Bottle (Jovin Webb, Tom Hambridge, Richard Fleming)
2. Save Me (Jovin Webb, Tom Hambridge, Richard Fleming)
3. I’m a Drifter (Jovin Webb, Tom Hambridge)
4. Drunk on Your Love (Jovin Webb, Tom Hambridge)
5. Wig on Wrong (Tom Hambridge, Richard Fleming)
6. Livin’ Reckless (Jeff Schroedl, Tom Hambridge)
7. Blues for a Reason (Jovin Webb, Tom Hambridge)
8. Mine Someday (Jovin Webb, Tom Hambridge)
9. Hand on the Bible (Jovin Webb, Tom Hambridge, Richard Fleming)
10. Bad Deeds (Jovin Webb, Tom Hambridge, Richard Fleming)
11. It’s the Hawk (Tom Hambridge, Richard Fleming)
12. Born Under a Bad Sign (Booker T. Jones, William Bell)

Mississippi MacDonald — “I Got What You Need” — APM Records

Oliver “Mississippi” MacDonald is one of those rare blues musicians who isn’t satisfied with just recreating this great music.

Instead, he has absorbed the blues, filtered it through his own considerable inspiration, and created a sound that is uniquely his own.

MacDonald’s music is filled with his own intensity and passion, created with a musical economy that underscores his understanding of the power of understatement, whether he’s delivering a passionate vocal or razor-sharp guitar licks. He lets the music breathe in between the notes.

MacDonald, from London, England, says of his style: “The great soul and blues vocalists sing in a way that conveys the song as if a friend were telling you of their trials and tribulations. Same for my favorite guitarists – I value economy and expression, not guitar histrionics.” 

MacDonald’s bandmates here are the very capable Phil Dearing on guitars and keyboards, Elliot Boughen on bass; Jim Kimberly on drums, and Lucy Randall on stirring backing vocals. Nine tracks on the session feature five original songs with four by MacDonald and one by Dearing.

The band opens everything up, fittingly enough with the title track, a hard-driving version of the song originally written and recorded by William Norris, with MacDonald’s guitar leading the way. His guitar sparkles again behind soaring vocals on “We’re Gonna Make It,” a 1965 Little Milton cover. “Stop! Think About It” is a MacDonald original, where he delivers a hauntingly spare guitar solo and a vocal that reaches deep into the blues for its soulful feeling: “You said you love me child, are you walkin’ on me?”

“3.35 AM” is another MacDonald original, a lively, very danceable instrumental shuffle — if your feet can keep up. “Hard Luck and Trouble” jumps in next, written by John Ward, founder of Memphis-based Ecko Records. MacDonald steps up the pace with a rocking blues. “Sinking,” written by producer Dearing, is yet another of the passionate slow blues that MacDonald turns into a vocal masterpiece: “Your blues eyes don’t mean nothing to me, the water is coming over the side and this boat is sinking now.” Randall adds a soaring harmony for the final touch. “Soul City One” is another MacDonald instrumental, punched higher by Dearing on the B-3.

Next is the rousing gospel of “If I Could Only Hear My Mother Pray,” with MacDonald reaching higher and higher with splendid vocals. The song has a unique history — written by John Whitfield Vaughan and James Rowe in 1922. A 1934 recording of the by Thomas A. Dorsey (former hokum blues star and Tampa Red partner Georgia Tom), was selected in 2007 by the United States’ National Recording Preservation Board for preservation in the National Recording Registry.

The emotional closer, “Your Dreams,” features Dearing’s elegantly understated piano behind MacDonald’s eloquent guitar lines and spine-chilling lyricism: “For the dreams that we share, when we’re no longer there, break the heart of a poor man in two … if the day feels so long, and your heart has no song, raise your hand, let me know if you’re near…” It’s a moving musical triumph that powers MacDonald into the ranks of truly gifted musicians.

On his two most recent and equally excellent albums, McDonald has offered similarly powerful outings, music that seems to have been dredged from some primeval soulful depths — “Let Me Explore Your Mind,” “I Was Wrong,” and “I’ll Understand” are a few examples. This time, “Stop! Think About It!,” “Sinking” and “Your Dreams” explore those same deep emotional origins. It’s music that has the ability to fulfill the deepest longings of the soul.

Mississippi MacDonald pours his heart and soul into his music. You would do yourself a favor by letting him pour it into yours.

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Who is Mississippi MacDonald?

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Here’s the title track, “I Got What You Need”

Tracklist and credits:
01. I Got What You Need
02. We’re Gonna Make It
03. Stop! Think About It!
04. 3.35 AM
05. Hard Luck And Trouble
06. Sinking
07. Soul City One
08. If I Could Only Hear My Mother Pray Again
09. Your Dreams
Mississippi MacDonald – Vocals , Lead Guitar
Eliott Boughen – Bass
Jim Kimberley – Drums
Phil Dearing – Guitars, Keyboards
Lucy Randall – Backing Vocals

Various Artists — “Mistletoe Mojo” — MoMojo Records

Christmas music already? Why not — before you know it, the stores will be full of spring fashions and patio furniture. So enjoy it while it lasts.

And you can start with this delightful compilation of rollicking holiday music from the folks at MoMojo Records. It’s definitely not your grandfather’s Christmas music — I think it’s much better — and how can you go wrong with a label that calls itself MoMojo?

There are 14 Christmas songs here, all from the joyously eclectic MoMojo roster. Some are traditional, in a non-traditional sort of way: “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by the honey-voiced Teresa James, “Santa Baby” by sassy Lil’ Red & The Rooster, the ever-hopeful “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by The Stacy Jones Band, “Silver Bells” rung by The Texas Horns, and “Amazing Grace II,” a different riff from Croatian blues harpmeister Tomislav Goluban.

Some are more contemporary: “I Was a Bad Boy This Year” by Rick Vito, “Nick’s Place” by Mark Cameron, and “Who Stole the Baby Jesus” by Dave Keyes. And there are more seasonal sounds from Mark Cameron, Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen, Peter Veteska & Blues Train, Joel Astley, Bobby Gentilo, and Mike Guldin. (Complete track list at the bottom, under the mistletoe.)

Let’s face it. You’re about to be bombarded with holiday Muzak whenever you step outside. It will be fun for a minute, but its mind-numbing tendencies would annoy even Santa himself. You need the comfort and joy that comes from letting “Mistletoe Mojo” work its holiday magic.

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Here’s “Santa Baby” by Lil Red and the Rooster:

Tracklist: 1. I Was a Bad Boy This Year – Rick Vito 2. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Teresa James 3. Nick’s Place – Mark Cameron 4. Santa Baby – Lil’ Red & The Rooster 5. Santa Claus is Coming to Town – The Stacy Jones Band 6. Even Santa Gets the Blues – The Texas Horns 7. Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You – Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen 8. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Peter Veteska 9. Naughty List – Joel Astley 10. Who Stole the Baby Jesus – Dave Keyes 11. Silver Bells – The Texas Horns 12. Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto – Bobby Gentilo 13. Please Come Home For Christmas – Mike Guldin 14. Amazing Grace II – Tomislav Goluban