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0:00/1:52
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0:00/2:26
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0:00/4:08
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0:00/2:09
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0:00/4:19
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0:00/5:28
THE SONGS:
We’ve Got The Music, featuring Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson — GRAMMY-nominated band Southern Avenue – newly signed to Alligator Records – first recorded this William Bell-penned track in 2019. Here, Southern Avenue’s drummer and vocalist, Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson, adds her smokey, gospel-inflected voice to this toe-tapping, mission-statement of a song. Sharing leads and joining with their gorgeous harmonies are program artists Marlana VanHoose, and twins, Kelsey & Marissa Weddle. A multi-talented artist, Jackson’s first commissioned painting is also the beautiful cover image for the release. Says Jackson, “It is an honor to be part of this beautiful album, and a joy to perform with these artists!”
It’s Alright, featuring Curley Taylor — Curley Taylor has been leading Zydeco Trouble since 2017 and is beloved as a deeply-rooted Zydeco master. Before leading his own band, he played drums with the great CC Adcock and toured with the legendary CJ Chenier. This self-penned scorcher from the Louisiana native is a perfect fit for the United By Music Band, with its driving New Orleans’ rhythms and positive, uplifting message. Listen for melodic harmonies from program Mentor Dana Taylor (of no relation to Curley) “YesIndeed,” remarks Curley. “United By Music America is the lagniappe all bands should have on tours or include on sets, there ain’t nothing else like it.”
Listen, featuring Christone “Kingfish” Ingram — GRAMMY-winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram first recorded Listen on his 2019 self-titled GRAMMY-nominated Alligator Records debut. This version, a duet with Marlana VanHoose and a soulful ensemble of voices from the United By Music Band, is remarkable in its melodic and lyrical emotional honesty. Kingfish is known for his spectacular guitar work, but here he also showcases his gorgeous singing voice as it blends with VanHoose’s powerful and moving vocals. Kingfish is always happy to work and spend time with the band, saying, “The United By Music Band definitely changes lives. I jam with them, I talk to them, we high-five, and it's a lot of fun. United by Music America is showing people, hey, we can do this too.”
Treme, featuring John Boutté — Fans of the HBO television show Treme will immediately recognize this song by legendary, award-winning New Orleans’ vocalist and songwriter John Boutté. With the United By Music Band cooking hot behind him, Boutté adds his note-perfect vocals to his dancing-in-the-street, feel-good anthem as he trades leads with United By Music America Program Ambassador Artist, Nick Baker. None other than the iconic Stevie Wonder gave Boutté the encouragement to pursue his dream of singing, and he is proud as a mentor to help others achieve their goals. “This arrangement is truly amazing,” says Boutté. “I love the lyric updates, the instrumental features and those beautiful voices!”
Common Ground, featuring Tommy Castro — Award-winning, internationally beloved guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and Alligator Records recording artist Tommy Castro wrote Common Ground for his 2015 album, Method To My Madness. The song’s lyrics perfectly reflect United By Music America’s ideals, and the driving United By Music Band takes the song to unexpected heights, as program artist Trey Wanvig delivers a scorching guitar solo with ensemble vocals behind him. According to Castro, “I thought this song would be right for the program, I’m honored it was selected. I’m proud to have recorded it with the United By Music Band. They are so talented, such a good band!” Says United By Music America’s Barbara Hammerman, “Common Ground is an anthem for our times.”
