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Bobby McFerrin: spirityouall
By Track review of "I Shall Be Released"Inspired by the music of his upbringing and his father Robert McFerrin Sr.an operatic baritone and the first African-American man to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York CitySpirityouall is Bobby McFerrin's first release dedicated to spiritual music. It comes with the singer/composer's usual distinctive touches and surprises with a talented studio band performing infectious and familiar songs that combine roots music: jazz, bluegrass and folk music, and some help from singer/bassist Esperanza Spalding on a number of tracks.
One of the many highlights is the touching cover of The Band's 1968 song "I Shall Be Released" written by the iconic singer/songwriter Bob Dylan. The connection becomes clearer why McFerrin included this well recorded jewel, one which was influenced by gospel music whose lyrics tell of a prison inmate who reflects on his sentence and the longing anticipation of his release in the following lyrics:
They say everything can be replaced
Yet every distance is not near
So I remember every face
Of every man who put me here
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
McFerrin takes Dylan's insightful piece and tenderly transforms it into a moving reflection of tranquility and faith in spite of the dire setting of the lyrics. His masterful voice is soothing and purposed, carried on a cloud of harmonious background voices and the elongated notes of a pedal guitar. The message is universalregardless of the type of imprisonment, whether physical or mental, the uplifting sentiment speaks to the idea of hope and release.
Track Listing
Everytime; Swing Low; Joshua; Fix Me Jesus; Woe; I Shall Be Released; Whole World; Gracious; 25:15; Wade; Glory; Jesus Makes It Good; Rest/Yes, Indeed.
Personnel
Bobby McFerrin
vocalsBobby McFerrin: vocals; Esperanza Spalding: bass, vocals (1, 2, 7, 11, 13); Larry Campbell: guitars; Gil Goldstein: keyboards; Charley Drayton: drums (1, 2, 7, 11, 13); Ali Jackson: drums (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13); Larry Grenadier: bass (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12).
Album information
Title: Spirityouall | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Sony Music