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Brandee Younger: Brand New Life

By La-Faithia White
May 20, 2023
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American harpist and composer Brandee Younger fuses hip hop, classical, funk and jazz on Brand New Life. Younger became a Grammy award nominee for her label debut. Brand New Life features new works inspired by her hero, harpist

Dorothy Ashby

harp
1932 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Dorothy Ashby.

"You're A Girl For One Man Only" written by Younger and Ashby, has reinterpretations of Dorothy Ashby; a beautiful, meditative love song and nice collaboration with the vibraphone; a smooth introduction with Younger and drum snares. "Brand New Life" features

Mumu Fresh

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Mumu Fresh's sensual vocals and has an R&B beat. Younger serenades splendidly on the harp. "Livin' and Lovin' in My Own Way" features hip hop music producer, DJ and rapper Pete Rock. Younger proceeds with a tantalizing harp melody manifesting into a nice beat. "Come Live WIth Me (Interlude)" is simply beautiful. It was originally recorded in 1968 by Ashby on her Afro-Harping (Cadet) album. "Running Game" opens with a spoken words intro describing how men run game.

On the ballad, Younger, is profound. There's a relaxing bass background from

Rashaan Carter

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Rashaan Carter and it ends beautifully. "Moving Target" was written and composed by Younger; sounds from the flute, strings, vibraphone and xylophone arranged by

De'Sean Jones

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">De'Sean Jones and percussion by

Makaya McCraven

drums
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Makaya McCraven. "Dust," written by Ashby, features

MeShell NdegeOcello

bass, electric
b.1968

" data-original-title="" title="">MeShell NdegeOcello on vocals and has reggae rhythms. "The Windmills of Your Mind" features music producer 9th Wonder on drum programming. Infused with classical Influences and very relaxing. "If It's Magic" is the theme song from the movie Valley of The Dolls originally recorded by

Stevie Wonder

vocals
b.1950

" data-original-title="" title="">Stevie Wonder on Songs In The Key Of Life (Motown, 1976). Younger delivers it with a soothing sound and plays eloquently while paying homage to her hero.

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Track Listing

You're A Girl For One Man Only; Brand New Life; Come Live With Me; (Interlude); Livin' And Lovin' In My Own Way; Running Game ( Intro); Running Game; Moving Target; Dust; The Windmills Of Your Mind; If It's Magic.

Personnel

Brandee Younger

harp

Makaya McCraven

drums

Rashaan Carter

bass, acoustic

Joel Ross

vibraphone

De'Sean Jones

saxophone, tenor

Album information

Title: Brand New Life | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Verve Music Group

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Brandee Younger Concerts

Oct 23 Thu

Brandee Younger Trio

The Freight
Berkeley, CA

Oct 27 Mon

Brandee Younger Trio

Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant
Minneapolis, MN

Oct 28 Tue

Brandee Younger Trio

Dazzle Jazz Club
Denver, CO

Oct 28 Tue

Brandee Younger Trio

Dazzle Jazz Club
Denver, CO

Nov 3 Mon

Brandee Younger

Eiffel M?helyház
Budapest, Hungary

Mar 13 Fri

The Brandee Younger Trio

All Saints' Episcopal Church
Atlanta, GA

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