Freedom Now Suite
Abbey Lincoln & Max Roach
Music always seems to plays an important role in history and in 1960 during the civil rights movement musicians throughout the country wanted to add their voice to the movement. while rallies, protest, marches, and sit-ins were taking place by the common people, musicians were busy composing songs that voiced the demand of equality.
Freedom Now Suite, by Max roach and Abbey Lincoln was one of the first jazz albums recorded during the Black Civil Rights Movement. In attempt to reach people through their music with a message of hope, equality, and unity. in their album, one song stands out the most, Freedom Day. In the song, the beat of the percussion, and the soft notes of the piano draped with the sounds of the, trombone and saxophone gives the melody, Freedom Day, a tone of hope and happiness, but it's the powerful voice of Miss Abbey lincoln that sets a deep and meaningful message. That freedom day is near.
Throughout the song Abbey sings "Whisper, listen, whisper, listen. Whispers say we're free. Rumors flyin', must be lyin'. Can it really be?" the rumor to which Lincoln is referring to is about African Americans gaining equality. then the song goes on to say "Freedom Day, it's Freedom Day. Throw those shackle n' chains away. Everybody that I see says it's really true, we're free." I believe Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach wrote this to make people believe in better days to come. It was a song that was meant to keep thousands of African Americans strong and fighting for what they believed in.
Theres so much power in Music that allows us to reach others and, gives us the ability to change someones else's perception on different ideas. The power of meaningful songs helps us connect with others. As Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln did in their song Freedom Day, were I believe they reached many blacks, as well as whites, who probably did not agree with the message being sent across.
Click here to listen to song --->> Freedom Now Suite
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