A Celebration of Black History, Khari Wendell McClelland Set To Release FREEDOM SINGER Album on 2/2

Khari Wendell McClelland is set to release the Freedom Singer album on February 2, 2018. A true celebration of black history, the album is a collection of rare and forgotten songs that McClelland interprets through the many styles and genres that helped to shape him. Using folk, gospel, country, hip hop and soul to reinvigorate these songs and build a bridge from the 1800's to the present. Produced by John Raham and Khari Wendell McClelland, Freedom Singer will be available through Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify and through Khari's label COAX Records' online store.

Soft Cedar is proud to be presenting the release of the album version of this inspiring and important work. On February 2 at The York Theatre in Vancouver Khari will be joined by The Sojourners, Tonye Aganaba, Desiree Dawson, Jillian Christmas, and many others to release Freedom Singer and celebrate Black history. Khari will also be performing at Victoria Event Centre on February 23, with more dates across Canada being announced soon.

"Khari Wendell McClelland took us to church!"

- VANCITY BUZZ

The Freedom Singer album is a culmination of a research project that started for Khari over two years ago, when he met the Governor General awarded writer Karolyn Smardz Frost. Through reading her work he was sparked by the childhood stories of his great-great-great grandmother Kizzy who escaped US slavery through The Underground Railroad coming into Canada in the mid 1800s. This prompted Khari to start a journey of researching the songs that might have accompanied her on her journey and the family history surrounding her. This was well documented by CBC through spots on The q and The National. He collaborated with celebrated theatre Director and dramaturge Andrew Kushnir to create a touring theatre production about his journey to collect the songs and his family's history, which was met by great reviews and transformed audiences across Canada. Now it is only right that Khari bring forth the Freedom Singeralbum which is where this whole journey started for him.

"Freedom Singer's musical journey hits powerful notes."

- GEORGIA STRAIGHT

Khari Wendell McClelland is a diversely talented and ever-evolving artist. Originally from Detroit, Khari has become a darling on the Canadian music scene with reviewers lauding his performances as a clever mix of soul and gospel. Khari's songwriting crosses genres and generations, joyfully invoking the spirit of his ancestors who straddled the US-Canadian border in efforts to escape slavery and discrimination. His music draws from this rich history, integrating the rhythms and folklore of early African-Americans with contemporary sounds and stories of struggle. Recently, Khari received critical acclaim for his Freedom Singer project, recreating the music fugitive slaves carried on their journey north into Canada. Khari also performs with the Roots Gospel group The Sojourners. Whether on stage or in the studio, Khari's passion for community, equality and justice is palpable, as is his belief in the redemptive power of music.