The Mix

For me, the mix is all about where the instruments sit in the space: is the timbre and volume consistent throughout? How does the overall listening experience hold up from a technical perspective? Here's how I break it down when listening:
Drums > Bass > Guitars/Leads > Vocals > Everything Else.

So, where does Freedom Flight stand?

When the drums come through and we can hear them in the space, it's perfection. There's a nice light wash of reverb, so you can hear that snap from the snare. The bass and guitar are swinging and dynamic, complemented by harmonica and flute on various tracks. It's also pleasant how forward the bass is in the record for being from 1971. I'm pleased! 11/10

The Source Material

I first came across Shuggie Otis back in 2021 when I heard the song Purple off of Freedom Flight. It was just a solid blues-funk instrumental and I added it to my liked songs.

Then I listened to the full album the next day and was blown away. This is the first time saying it here on the blog, but likely not the last time: Nothing is better than finding a great song and then finding that the album is equally good. No filler. No fluff! It's so disappointing when an album has one or two standout tracks, with the rest feeling like rushed filler to meet a label's contract.

Not the case here!!

Why This Album Earned Its Spot

The first two songs ease you into the album's blues-funk vibe, setting the stage for a soulful journey. Fun fact: did you know Shuggie Otis actually wrote “Strawberry Letter 23”? Many think it’s by The Brothers Johnson, but their version is a cover!

As the album progresses, it seamlessly weaves between instrumentals, soul-psychedelia, and heartfelt ballads. Then comes “Purple,” my personal favorite. It starts off as a smooth, bluesy groove before unexpectedly riffing with the raw energy of a Grand Funk Railroad tune.

The penultimate track, “Freedom Flight,” ties everything together. This jammy instrumental manages to stand out while staying perfectly in step with the album’s overall vibe.

Honestly, it’s wild to think Shuggie was just a teenager when he created this masterpiece. Of course, having Johnny Otis as his father meant music was in his blood and he was destined for greatness!

You find diamonds like these, the bar gets raised. Then after you recover, you JUST. GET. MOTIVATED. to find the next one. That next Freedom Flight. It's out there. I'm searchin', I'm gonna find it! 🤙