New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Critically acclaimed American roots artist, The Reverend Shawn Amos has released a new animated lyric video for his recent single "2017". The video launched today via The Alternate Root. With a string section reminiscent of B.B. King's "The Thrill Is Gone" and Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, "2017" is a timely commentary on our divided discourse - and a heartfelt plea to listen to our better angels. As Amos notes, "It's clearly about the events of the year but it could just as easily have been written in 1967, '77, '87." The collage-style video was directed by Adam Snow, whose lively visuals both contrast with and accentuate the serious focus of the song, while highlighting the poignant lyrics.
"2017" is one in a series of what Amos calls "21st century freedom songs," inspired by the gospel-born protest songs of the 1960s American civil rights movement. Recorded in Memphis' Royal Studios with surviving members of Al Green's lauded 1970s rhythm section, "2017" calls listeners to "open up our hearts and brains/Think about what our children's eyes have seen/In the year 2017." The song also features vocals from Memphis-based vocal group, The Masqueraders.
The track was co-produced by Amos and album producer,
James Saez who also mixed. Amos says his forthcoming album, The Reverend Shawn Amos Breaks It Down, is meant to "remind of us our commonality and our brotherhood. I've been listening to a lot of music from the Staples Singers, Freedom Singers, and other '60s blues, folk and gospel acts.
Music meant to stir our conscience. We're living in similar times; We need songs to help us stand up." Watch the music video for "Ain't Gonna Name Names" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icGbmx-LQO8
Shawn Amos has been featured on NPR's Weekend Edition and SCPR's "
Take Two" radio programs, and has received accolades from Relix, Purevolume, Elmore, and others. He has performed as a live musical guest on Good Day New York, ABC News, and SiriusXM's Bluesville. He also turned in a must-see studio performance for Classicalite.
His previous record The Reverend Shawn Amos Loves You reached #2 on
Roots Music Report's Contemporary Blues Album Chart, aand was produced by 2x Grammy nominee, Mindi Abair.
https://www.shawnamos.com
