By Odeisel

Jazz is one of the most uniquely American of art forms. Its freedom from the constraints of notes and spirit of improvisation set the base elements for Hip-Hop. But as Rock, Disco, Funk, etc. gained in prominence, Jazz has existed on the periphery of the entertainment consciousness. All is certainly not lost and the good folks at OkayPlayer have combined with Revive Music Group to bring Jazz into the new millennium with joint venture The Revivalist. The first salvo from this marriage is a really dope track named “Freedom Part 2,” by Hip-Hop quartet The Beast and Nnenna Freelon featuring. Suede (Camp Lo) produced by Apple Juice Kid.

There is a dancing piano (Eric Hirsch)that drizzles around the other elements of this piece, a delicious bass(Peter Kimosh) that tunnels beneath the beat and well-arranged vocals on the part of Ms. Freelon that form another instrument in the symphony. A pulsating drum(Stephen Coffman) sets the song off into its breaks. The rhythm never settles into anything for t0o long, switching pace with Freelon scatting and ad libbing; altering pace, mood and pitch.

Pierce Freelon sets the song off vocally and delivers a verse a la early Black Thought in that it blends in with the composition and is flow heavy. He speaks on the American Dream and the evils in this world that keep our humanity constrained. Suede has always been a smooth and fluid lyricist and this is no exception. He’s more aggressive on this and his verse speaks more to the individual and the freedom of the mind rather than systemic abuse. They both deliver over this construction.

If this is what we are looking to regarding the advancement of Jazz, then welcome to the Millenium.  You may make Parker proud if you keep it up. “Freedom.” Enjoy.

The Beast & Nneena Freelon Feat. Suede-“Freedom”

The Beast – Freedom Part 2

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