Freeworld - More Love

By Hal Horowitz

“Here’s to diversity,” is the rallying cry of FreeWorld’s music, and not just because that’s included in the title of their single “D-Up (Here’s to Diversity).”

Rather, the Memphis-based cooperative with its revolving door, proudly multi-racial membership which changes on each release, reflects that and this album’s ‘More Love’ moniker (out Nov. 22), as the concept driving their wide-ranging music, philosophy and personnel.

Formed in 1987 by bassist/singer/songwriter Richard Cushing and late sax player Dr. Herman Green, FreeWorld has been a staple on Memphis’ Beale Street since, releasing seven albums along the way. Cushing remains front-person and the group’s most reliable songwriter (he penned or co-wrote eight of these fourteen selections) on their first full album in seven years. Another 16 names enhance the band’s expansive sound.

Combine the horn-propelled pop of Chicago, with Earth, Wind, and Fire’s soul/funk, add some reggae and New Orleans mojo, sprinkle in Tower of Power horns and you have an idea of where FreeWorld finds much of its musical inspiration. It’s all on display here, spread over fourteen tracks running over an hour on this varied set of rock, pop and R&B.

Opener “Outta Sight” bursts with swinging brass, soulful singing (and guitar solo) from Matt Tutor as the band blasts off. From there it’s a rootsy audio smorgasbord with the Jamaican rasta sounds of “Heart on the Table,” (including Aubrey McCrady’s sizzling slide guitar part, strongly reminiscent of Derek Trucks), the sophisticated, Steely Dan-inflected “Life for Tomorrow,” and some socio-political brassy soul with strong Chicago (the band) influences on “To Arise” (“It’s time for justice to arise”).

A few detours into jazz, specifically on the slick but grooving fusion instrumentals “Rush Hour” and the subtle, pastoral “Color Trip,” the latter, at seven minutes, the set’s longest inclusion, brings more improvisational impulses. Another vocal-free selection, “11:11 on Beale,” slips into Steely Dan sophisticated jazz, which features a rare trombone solo and even a spoken-word poem, not something you hear on many albums regardless of genre.

Lyrically we’re firmly in “more love” terrain with resilient “everybody come together” themes as guest Jerome Chism sings “spread love to those around you/what’ll happen will astound you,” pulling out Donny Hathaway vibes as Blood, Sweat & Tears-styled brass, a gospel chorus, and handclaps lend support. The ensemble rocks out, with synthesizer, on “Rush Hour” another instrumental featuring guest guitarist Glen Nunez channeling the spirit of Chicago guitarist Terry Kath by laying into a blazing solo inspired by “25 or 6 to4.”

Glance back to the 70s for the Billy Preston-inflected soul of “Nothin’ Wrong” where a heartfelt vocal leads into sudden rhythmic time changes as the words “There’s nothing wrong being strong,” become a rallying cry to speak up when seeing injustice. Yet another instrumental, “Color Trip,” further explores fusion territory with guitar from band member Walter Hughes.

There’s lots of music here and following who is playing on each selection will take some time. But even with its diverse (there’s that word again) palate FreeWorld presents a cohesive sound on ‘More Love,’ celebrating their talents and the world they are trying to unite.

It’s an exuberant musical union touching on a variety of genres, all performed with the collective’s joyous spirit and often festive verve.