Title: Soul Awakening
Artist: Brandee Younger
Label: Self Released
Formats: CD, Digital
Release date: June 7, 2019

Jazz harpist Brandee Younger’s latest album, Soul Awakening, has finally been released nearly seven years after its inception. The album’s eight tracks were recorded in 2012 by the Brandee Younger Quartet under the direction of bassist Dezron Douglas. Showcasing the ensemble’s aptitude for improvisation, spiritual jazz, and experimental music, the tracks include everything from Marvin Gaye’s “Save the Children” (featuring Niia) to album producer Dezron Douglas’s “Soulris,” reflecting the Brandee Younger Quartet’s passion for social justice and creative freedom. This album will also satisfy longtime Brandee Younger fans with covers of Dorothy Ashby’s “Games” and Alice Coltrane’s “Blue Nile,” two popular staples of Younger’s live performances. The remaining tracks are all originals by Younger, including “Respected Destroyer” (featuring Sean Jones on trumpet) and “Linda Lee,” a tribute to her mother.

Reviewed by Chloe McCormick