This week’s edition of Free Music Friday is all over the map, stylistically speaking. Want melodic, introspective indie rock? We got it. Modern jazz saxophone? Ditto. Sharp, growling songwriter-rock? Got that too. Or maybe you just want a soulful tune from one of the most groundbreaking, legendary musicians of all time? Well buddy, today is your lucky day. Behold!
Ray Charles: “It Hurts To Be In Love”
The great Ray Charles has been the subject of books, movies, and even museum exhibits, but if you really want to understand the man, just listen to his music. His mastery of soul, R&B, blues, and even country-western has left indelible impressions all over the world’s musical landscape. The 2000s saw a resurgence in his popularity, with albums like the “Ray!” soundtrack and the duets record “Genius Loves Company”. Now, our friends at Concord Records have unearthed ten previously-unreleased tracks from the Ray Charles catalog and compiled them into a brand-new album, “Rare Genius”. This collection features a batch of fantastic performances, including a duet with Johnny Cash (“Why Me Lord?”). It’s available on 320kbps MP3 and CD; you can also snag it with an exclusive t-shirt designed by Friend Or Foe, or get it as part of the Ray 80 Package (10 albums + the t-shirt for only $80!). But if you’re a true Ray-niac, you’ll spring for the Ray Charles Experience: 10 albums, the t-shirt, round-trip flights to LA, rooms at the Beverly Hilton, a personal tour of Ray’s RPM International Studios, a guided limo tour of locations from Ray’s life in LA, a deluxe hardcover book of photographs, and much, much more. Click here to pre-order the package of your choice and download “It Hurts To Be In Love” for free.
Rudresh Mahanthappa: 4-Song Sampler
One of the most innovative voices in modern jazz, Rudresh Mahanthappa brings a fresh, multicultural perspective to the alto sax. While studying at Berklee School of Music, he was introduced to Kadri Gopalnath, whose use of saxophone in the context of Indian classical music inspired Mahanthappa to create a unique fusion of Western and Indian improvisation styles. Mahanthappa has been a rising star in the jazz world for the last half-decade, and his work has earned him accolades from across the jazz community. His newest release, “Apex”, is a collaboration with veteran saxophonist Bunky Green. Click here to snag a free download of four tracks from this upcoming album.
Tigers That Talked: “23 Fears (Summer 10)”
This young UK quartet is building buzz in the indie scene across the pond, gathering accolades from NME, Q Magazine, and BBC Radio. Utilizing a guitar/bass/drums/violin setup, they combine “pop hooks infectious enough to snag the mainstream with the laconic romanticism of folk”, creating music that is by turns romantic, haunting, and introspective. The band has released a handful of self-produced EPs over the past few years, and are poised to drop their first proper album, “The Merchant”, in just a few weeks. Click here to grab a free track and sneak a peek at this up-and-coming group.
Tom Williams & The Boat: “See My Evil”
Another British band on the rise, Tom Williams & The Boat embellish the traditional rock lineup with piano, violin, harmonica and “whatever else works”, all in the service of Williams’ wry lyrics and aggressively personal delivery. The songs rock and rumble with dark, bluesy, passion. Williams’ words wrap around your brain while the band’s music hits you square in the chest. It’s good stuff — if you don’t trust my opinion, go listen for yourself. Click here to stream two tracks off the band’s upcoming album and download one of ‘em for free.
Pingback: Mad Respect · Tigers that Talked