Liberty Now!
Corner Store Jazz, 2025
9/10
The ‘Jazz-Grass’ string outfit Free Country return for their first work in over a decade, and it has Phil Haynes, Hank Roberts, Jim Yanda and Drew Gress in fine form across the 26 socially conscious tracks.
The cozy spirit of “Situation Ethics” starts the listen with Yanda’s warm guitar amid Gress’ playfully plucked bass, and it isn’t long until “Higgens” spends 7 minutes impressing us with its strong attention to mood and Haynes’ cautious drumming.
Further along, “Next Of Kin” makes great use of Robert’s hazy cello prowess via the ambience and grace, while “Dawn On The Gladys Marrie” pairs the meticulous bass with Roberts’ expressive singing for the gentle and heartfelt exit to disc 1.
The 2nd disc is full of creative interpretations. The quartet turn “Revolution” into a frisky, rural rocker that’s got an infectious energy, and much later on “What A Wonderful World” enlists spoken word and a stirring dreaminess into the poetic and soothing take on the classic tune.
Free Country released their debut in 1997, and since then all the members have stayed busy with their own composing. The songs here touch on folk, Americana, roots, jazz and bluegrass, where no lack of grooves, atmospheric and inimitable dynamics make this a triumphant return.
Travels well with: Phil Haynes- Transition(s); Phil Haynes- Return To Electric