Reggie Washington Releases “Freedom”

Reggie Washington: FreedomBassist Reggie Washington has released, Freedom, his second album, on Jammin’ colorS Records.

The album fuses a ton of genres, including jazz, funk, rock, blues, classical and World music. Sometimes up front and sometimes in the background, Washington’s rich tone and undeniable grooves glue all of the different elements together to make it a cohesive and attention-grabbing album. And even with some more experimental tracks on the album, the bassist pays homage to our musical forefathers with tunes like “The Mooche,” “Funk Elise,” and a solo double bass rendition of Oscar Pettiford’s “Tricotism”.

Washington’s credits include working with artists from Cassandra Wilson to D’Angelo, and touring with guitarist Jef Lee Johnson and drummer Gene Lake, who make the core of the album.

Special guests for the album also include Jozef Dumoulin on the Fender Rhodes, saxophonist Fabrice Alleman, spoken word artist Tiboo, turntablist DJ Grazzhoppa and fellow bassist Rich Brown.

Likening himself to an old school music lover, Washington says Freedom won’t be released digitally for the first year. “We want folks to get the physical copy,” he explains. “I’m still from the LP era. I like to read something about what’s going on with the “record”!”

Freedom Video:

Freedom Track List:

  1. Groove 4 Chantal
  2. Funk Elise
  3. J.C.
  4. Kucheza
  5. Peppermint N’ Pickle
  6. The Mooche
  7. Jack Legged
  8. Ellaness
  9. Bambou
  10. Monk’s Mood
  11. Tricotism
  12. Scorpion

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  1. I can’t express how much of a mistake I think it is that this album will not “be released digitally for the first year”. I was really looking forward to listening to this album. It is this “old school” mentality that will cause artists to lose potential listeners and actually cause an increase in piracy. There are many many people in 2012 that do not even own cd players. I can’t see how this will not cost Mr. Washington money. I strongly urge artists to realize that they are only hurting consumers and their own wallets when decisions like this are made. Today, I want to purchase this album. A year from now, I will have long forgotten about it.

    • I found that odd as well. I’m old school too (I collect vinyl), but I love the opportunity to buy music right away and have it on my iPhone or computer whenever I want it. My kids don’t buy CDs, ever. Those are the people we need to be paying attention to :)

  2. :( I was ready to purchase right now.

  3. I’m ready to purchase and don’t even care if I have to order it. It’s worth it! The great part of the CD is that you get the liner notes and find out what the artist’s intent / thoughts are. One day maybe they’ll get a protocol for doing this digitally. Sent an email out and hope to be able to purchase it soon!

  4. Sad news to hear of Jef Lee Johnson’s passing today.

  5. Groove 4 Chantal reminds me of a song I heard on Bay Area jazz radio late 70s/early 80s. Is Reggie original composer, or is this a cover?