….These songs are rich in emotion and spirit, they have a mature depth to them juxtaposed by their playful nature. Liberty Awaits as whole features a deep repertoire that can be characterized as folk fusion.
Each composition on the album tells a specific story about a character or place that connects different cultures. In addition to the core of the band, the album features tracks with prodigious Ecuadorian singer Carola Zerega, French pianist Freddy Dubois, and Belgian bassist Olivier van Betsbrugge.
01 – Liberty Awaits
Darkness, channeled fear, and daring to hope — these must be essentially part of anyone’e experience who leaves their home for a safer place. “Liberty Awaits,” the 6 minute musical lyrical fable, is a meditation on that concept. it’s done with a folk noir style with intense violin, appropriately driving rhythms, suspenseful guitar, and Carola Zerega’s truly haunting vocals. Far more than a catchy little ditty, this song is a vignette and the movie draws this out even more. What kind of courage does it take to cross hundreds of miles in hopes of a better life? – Americana Highways Magazine
02 – Never Dream Alone
The track has a powerful vibe that uplifts you, and the cadence just grows with each passing transition. It’s a lovely number that begins alongside a soft violin and piano passage and progresses into a beat-heavy section. From then on, a Renaissance-inspired verse plays out. Epic fantasy-style vocals enter, with guitars tied in, and a stellar violinist accompanies the singers. Speaking of which, one of the essential highlights is the violin portions of the track, it had an elegant tone and was the drive behind Never Dream Alone’s medieval aura. – Illustrate Magazine
03 – Magnolias
Magnolias was written for a women’s art collective in Kortrijk, Belgium, with whom the band collaborated with throughout their residency there.
04 – Pearl d’Alsace
Pearl d’Alsace is a dedication to the city of Strasbourg and its importance to the band.
05 – Mayahuel
Mayahuel, tells the story of a Mexican goddess who traveled across the sea with her Agave plant to Belgium to fuse with the local brewing traditions.
06 – Sands of Time
Sands of Time details a trans-cultural travel from the Middle East to an Amazonian oasis.
07 – Turkish Delight
The band has taken their sound to the next level with “Turkish Delight”, which is an impressive and fun track that takes you on a journey around the world. The track’s success is attributed to the trio’s perfect execution, both in terms of the music and the message they’re trying to convey. The Trouble Notes have once again proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world music scene.
“Turkish Delight” is a testament to The Trouble Notes’ creative genius, and the track is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys fusion music and assured instrumental performances. The trio has delivered a phenomenal track that showcases their talent and musical versatility. The Trouble Notes have captured the essence of their universe in this track, leaving listeners craving more. If “Turkish Delight” is any indication of what’s to come from The Trouble Notes, then we can expect an even greater musical adventure from the trio in the future. – Plastic Magazine
08 – Chips y Salsa
Chips y Salsa is a mixture of Latin salsa and European folk music that keeps the listener’s hands clapping and feet moving throughout the entire song.
09 – Forbidden Love
Forbidden Love tells the dramatic story of two characters from different cultures who fall in love, ending in a blissful climactic resolution.
10 – Tihany Tanc
Tihany Tanc pays homage to the great Hungarian czardas composers who inspired Bennet’s love for folk music.
11 – The Banjolorian
The Banjolorian was written during our extensive travels in the Louisiana Bayou, and fuses popular Hip-Hop beats with Americana Folk instrumentation.
