Song review of  “This Is The Time” – by Mamma Freedom, written by Andy Holland.

Mamma Freedom – ‘This Is The Time’ (from 2013 album ‘Preachers and Criminals) Mamma Freedom are a BIG band in many senses of the word. Firstly there’s eight of them, most of whom are multi-instrumentalists; J. Johnston on lead vocals, rhythm guitar and keyboards; Alexander Johnston on keyboards, vocals and guitar; Christopher J Calcott on lead guitar, backing vocals and keyboards; Gareth Bourne on bass; Richard Redfern on backing vocals and keyboards; Bob Marsh on trumpet and flugel horn; AJ Dawson on sax (alto/tenor); Dan Hudson on drums and there’s even an occasional ninth member, Bruce Hunnisett who plays sax, flute and clarinet. There is so much of a band here, it’s virtually an orchestra. Mamma Freedom’s sound is tight melodic rock/funk at its best; it oozes attitude, with fresh and tight sounding grooves, hot guitar lines and a powerhouse brass section.

My first impression upon hearing Mamma Freedom was shock because I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard them before – it’s the kind of band one would imagine emerging from somewhere like Memphis in the early 70s; it’s so reminiscent of the Stax sound, Blaxploitation film soundtracks, Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton and so forth. There isn’t just funk/soul here though, there is just as much rock in Mamma Freedom’s sound, cinematic jazz and blues. Mamma Freedom are vocally very strong too; J. Johnson’s lead vocals are soulful, powerful and raw plus there’s lots of quality backing vocals present. The production too, is impeccable – a panorama of warmth, sweat and sonic clarity. ‘This Is The Time’ is the first track on Mamma Freedom’s 2013 album, ‘Preachers and Criminals’ and it shows the band at their best. It begins with bells and a wah-wah guitar and from the moment the plump bass drops in with the drums one can feel the dramatic tension begin. A dynamic groove is created, with a hollow snare sound and sparse electric piano playing jazzy chords. J. Johnson hoarse and passionate vocals build up the tension even more with some immaculate phrasing and by the time the chorus comes along the stress is almost unbearable. What a chorus though! The brass here is nothing short of magnificent; one of best horn arrangements I’ve heard in while and takes the song to whole new level – it’s sheer class, even Quincy Jones would be impressed by it. Added for further dramatic flavour, the song even features some distinctly 70s style strings, giving the whole track a cinematic gloss. All of Mamma Freedom perform with expertise and style without ever coming across as pompous or muso in the process, which is no mean feat for a band who are so obviously musically gifted. Catch them now before they’re so huge they’ll only be dots on a distant stage. Mamma Freedom are  currently working on their second album which will be released this year.

You can catch Mamma Freedom at Matt and Phreds, Manchester on Saturday 3rd May 2014.
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