SongsinthekeyofFree

Challenging mass incarceration through collaborative arts practice

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Wishing you the happiest of holidays! From John Francis, one hell of a musician, and August Tarrier, Founder and Director of Songs in the Key of Free. Our album would make a great gift and John’s latest album Forbidden Hymns will be available this spring.

https://t.co/2z8m74JFRT

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

John Francis O'Mara is the recipient of two national songwriting awards from ASCAP. He is an Episcopal priest, and his forthcoming album is called Forbidden Hymns. Big thanks to John for bringing some beautiful harmonies to Cody’s song, “What These Hands Have Done.”

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

The biggest of shoutouts to our producer, Rench! He's known as The Mastermind at Gangstagrass, the band he is part of. He produced, mixed and mastered the Songs in the Key of Free album. We couldn't be more grateful.

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[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Brian Farrow is a musician, songwriter, and independent researcher who has a focus in reshaping and reflecting America’s musical history through sharing stories. Be sure to check out Brian’s stellar bass work on tracks “Rise,” “Vigil,” “I Refuse to be Defined,” and “Key of Free.”

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Zeek Burse bringing the power vocals to the hook on Manchino Santiago’s “Take a Knee” at the Boom Room in Philadelphia.

If you haven’t given this song a listen yet check it out here:
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[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Jen Fouché is the real deal–a Broadway actor and singer with a gorgeous, powerful voice. She is also a member of the Tony Award winning choir, The Broadway Inspirational Voices. She graced us by singing on “How Do I Show You the Hole in My Heart?” https://t.co/nq3a1HOuz5

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

We were fortunate enough to have the powerful voices of the Oakdale choir on Moose’s song “Rise”

If you haven’t given this song a listen yet check it out here:
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[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

We recently caught up with Cody in the studio to record his thoughts about rockin' in the free world.

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

We're very happy to say that Darnell Scott (aka Seven), is now a free man!! Listen to his beautiful take on how Songs in the Key of Free changed him and the impact it had on an entire community.

Also, the album dropped! Check it out here: https://t.co/94qzv1YmVl

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

The Songs in the Key of Free album drops in less than an hour 👀

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Here is a video of participants of the Songs in the Key of Free program performing one of their anthems: "Welcome Home"

The full album launches TOMORROW, December 2nd!! Make sure to Pre-save and check out the album when it drops: https://t.co/pcr33ODyVy

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Rashied was one of the brightest lights we’ve known and a mega-talented musician (horns, drums, bass). Here’s an excerpt from his spoken-word piece called "Mass Incarceration," followed by a clip from the song he wrote to celebrate his release from prison, called “Sign Out.”

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

RIP Ra.

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Always smiling, Mouse is our antidote to a down day or a bit of bad news. He is irrepressibly sunny and a bit of a goofball, but everything he does has a heart. He is the co-writer of “How Do I Show You the Hole in My Heart?” on which he plays keys. (Photo by Chris Caldwell)

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Quick reminder: the Songs in the Key of Free album drops THIS FRIDAY Dec. 2! It will be out everywhere you listen to music so make sure to stay tuned!! Click here to pre-save via Spotify: https://t.co/pcr33OlXwY

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Paul’s song, “Love Outside Down” is truly infectious. Take a listen to this demo recording with Paul in fine form on lead. Fun fact: this is the one recording we have of the whole community of Songs singing together.

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Paul’s song, “Letter to My Son” is a moving evocation from a father who has had to endure decades of being separated from his children. Check it out on Spotify and Apple Music!
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[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Paul has spent more than 40 years in prison; he is an elder and one of the wisest people we’ve ever known. His song, “Welcome Home” became a theme song for Songs; as Paul says, these are the words every prisoner longs to hear. (Photo by Chris Caldwell)

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

Weldon (right) is a talented bass player and keyboardist. His work is rooted in the blues, and he hails from the Deep South. He plays on one of the anthems of Songs in the Key of Free, “Welcome Home.” (Photo by Miles Butler)

[SongsinthekeyofFree @SongsKeyofFree]

We’ll wager that “Freedom” will be the best listen you encounter this week. The inside and outside versions blend seamlessly, and best of all, this song is a heartfelt tribute to Bernard from some of his boyhood friends, who play on the outside version. (Photo by Chris Caldwell)