On The Horizon Vol. 1
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Listen to On The Horizon Vol. 1
The quintet The Freeway Jubilee seem like they could be suited for a church gig just as they could an impromptu jam near a mountain, as Adam Clayton (lead vocals, piano, organ), Jonathan Clayton (vocals, lead guitar), Kenny Crowley (vocals, bass, rhythm guitar, percussion), Hunter Parker (vocals, baritone and tenor saxophone) and Cartwright Brandon (drums, percussion) welcome some special guests into their very charming brand of fusion.
“In Motion” starts the listen group harmony vocals, as frisky drumming enters the stylish, gospel flavored festivities that showcases Parker’s bright sax and Adam’s smooth vocals, and “Sunlight Stream” follows with a warm, funky groove amid a playful soulfulness that benefits from Michael Crawford’s harmonica and Jacob Bruner’s strategic trombone.
In the middle, the punchy drumming of “Not The Same” is full of bouncy bass lines from Crowley as an infectious energy that’s got some rural spirit enters, while “Rugged & Free” recruits Freddie Barry’s skilled guitar work alongside a more cautious approach of sublimely textured song craft.
“Reachin’” and “Humble Song” exit the listen, where the former offers timeless pop-rock nods that are quite authentic, and the latter mixes gospel with folk in a poetic and charming display of piano acrobatics, a shuffling rhythm section and Chris Moe’s agile harmonica.
A thriving band whose work ethic is matched by their creativity, there’s much diversity to be found here, and the execution is often fun, nostalgic and, in the case of “Let Me Try”, intimate. It’s pretty likely that if you spend any significant time with The Freeway Jubilee, they’ll be your new favorite band, or at least that was my experience.
Travels well with: Abby Bryant & The Echoes- Not Your Little Girl; Tommy Womack- I Thought I Was Fine