Album: Road to Freedom by Young Disciples (1991)
Mood: Good Natured
Format: Album

Description: On their impressive debut Road to Freedom, the fiercely political Young Disciples offer muscular funk garnished with jazz, hip-hop and R&B flourishes. The majority of vocals are handled by Carleen Anderson, whose low, smoky voice at times brings to mind the likes of Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Oleta Adams. The production is clever and unpredictable; gospel organs open "Get Yourself Together" and then fade into the oncoming beats, while airy guitars introduce "Talkin' What I Feel" before pulling a similar about-face when confronted with some surging hip-hop rhythms.

Artist Background: A British / USA acid jazz band, formed in London in 1990, by Carleen Anderson (vocals, keyboards - aka Mardou Fox, the daughter of James Brown's protegé Vicki Anderson and stepdaughter of Bobby Byrd), Marco Nelson (bass, guitar, organ - aka Marc Nelson) and Femi Williams (percussion, programming - aka Femi Fem). Their most famous hit was the single, "Apparently Nothin'" (Talkin' Loud, 1991), which helped launch Anderson's solo career when the band split up. Part of the London, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Acid Jazz movement. Known for Jazz style.

Related Artists: The Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Carleen Anderson, Galliano

Music Scene: Part of the London, England, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Acid Jazz movement. Known for Jazz style.

Tags: Good Natured, 1990s, Album

Additional Context: Rating score: 7. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


On their impressive debut Road to Freedom, the fiercely political Young Disciples offer muscular funk garnished with jazz, hip-hop and R&B flourishes. The majority of vocals are handled by Carleen Anderson, whose low, smoky voice at times brings to mind the likes of Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Oleta Adams. The production is clever and unpredictable; gospel organs open "Get Yourself Together" and then fade into the oncoming beats, while airy guitars introduce "Talkin' What I Feel" before pulling a similar about-face when confronted with some surging hip-hop rhythms.

Road to Freedom

Young Disciples

Track List

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