Free Will is the second studio album by the American poet and musician Gil Scott-Heron, released in August 1972 on Flying Dutchman Records. The album was produced by Bob Thiele, with the recording sessions taking place on March 2 and 3, 1972, at RCA Studios in New York City. It is the follow-up to Scott-Heron's critically acclaimed studio debut, Pieces of a Man (1971), and it is the second album to feature him working with keyboardist Brian Jackson. Free Will is also Scott-Heron's final studio album for Flying Dutchman.Bush, John. [ Biography: Gil Scott-Heron]. Allmusic. Retrieved July 9, 2008. The album reissued on compact disc in 2001 by Bluebird Records with alternative takes of eight tracks from the original album.
Music Free Will featured a format that divides the LP's two sides, musically. The first side is made up of five recordings done by Scott-Heron and the entire band, which once again featured Brian Jackson playing a major role as he did on the previous album, Pieces of a Man. The title track opens up the album with a meditation on personal responsibility. One of Scott-Heron's best known performances, "The Get out of the Ghetto Blues" is a moving ghetto warning and features bluesy instrumentation by pianist Brian Jackson and guitarist David Spinozza. The second side functions more as a live rap session with Brian Jackson on flute and a couple of percussionists. "Ain't No New Thing" emphasizes Scott-Heron's black pride, which he previously displayed on his debut album, by presenting an argument about the placement of black culture into the American mainstream:
"Wiggy" is a haiku-like appreciation of natural black hair. The themes of police brutality, violence, and self-exploration are still present as they were on Scott-Heron's previous albums. "No Knock", a reference to a police policy whereby knocking is not required before entering a house, and "... And Then He Wrote Meditations", a tribute to John Coltrane, continue these themes.
Track listing
Personnel Musicians Gil Scott-Heron – vocals (all tracks) Horace Ott – conductor, arranger Brian Jackson – acoustic and electric pianos, vocals, flute, bells (1–5) Gerald Jemmott – bass (1–5) Bernard Purdie – drums (1–5) Eddie Knowles – percussion (6–12) Charles Saunders – percussion (6–12) David Spinozza – guitar (1–5) Hubert Laws – flute, piccolo (1–5)
Production Bob Thiele – producer Bob Simpson – mixing Charles Stewart – cover photo
References
External links Free Will at Discogs