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Danielle Ponder: Some Of Us Are Brave
ByWith this album, Ponder crafts compelling messages that reveal her innermost thoughts about courageously moving forward, often in powerful yet hushed tones that grow in intensity. It's the emancipation of Danielle Ponder but, in addition, she makes sure that we understand she's raising the flag on behalf of everyone who has ever been oppressed. Here's part of the opening incantation from the title cut: "All we want is to be ourselves / And shine our light with no problems / We don't want problems." Her march to freedom continues with the determined: "So long all my fears / I'm ready for the day / If I lose some then I've lost them / What more can I say." With "Someone Like You," she's not afraid to reveal vulnerabilities when she passionately longs for a close, intimate relationship: "Someone tell me what I got to do / Who I got to call / Which god I got to pray to." The following song, "Only the Lonely," displays resolve and strength when she adamantly declares: "Love is lost and I must walk away." She confesses that she's sinking even lower on "Thoughts," by announcing: "I ain't quite where I used to be / Don't know where I am going." Her style, at times powered by church organ and gospel choir and inspired by religious proclamations, brings everything to its final resting point with these last words: "Fight on for truth."
Ultimately, this is an album about seeking solidarity. Be brave, stand tall, question the norm but keep moving forward. As with anyone, Ponder may have occasional doubts but she found herself returning to her core beliefs, often fueled by elements of southern gospel, heartfelt soul, bitter blues and ribbons of celestial communications.
While the bulk of the album is focused on the intense complexity of personal relationships, the first two songs, with their challenges to our current society, could very well confirm that she's eligible to join an elite club of strong, determined singers including Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Abbey Lincoln and others. Strong women who delivered potent messages even if they, at times, had to march alone as well. Please welcome the newest member to that esteemed club, Ms. Danielle Ponder.
Track Listing
Some Of Us Are Brave; So Long; Someone Like You; Only The Lonely; The Only Way Out; Thoughts; Fray; Darker Than Blue.
Personnel
Danielle Ponder
vocalsJordan Rose
drumsAvis Reese
keyboardsJohn Viviani
guitarRufus McGee
organ, Hammond B3Album information
Title: Some Of Us Are Brave | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Future Classic Records
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Album Review
Scott Gudell
Some Of Us Are Brave
Future Classic Records
Danielle Ponder
Nina Simone
Aretha Franklin
Abbey Lincoln