The Reverend Shawn Amos Releases New Track '(We've Got To) Come Together'
By: Caryn Robbins Jan. 16, 2018
Critically acclaimed American roots artist The Reverend Shawn Amos has shared a new track "(We've Got To) Come Together." Released on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as both a celebration of the resonant message of Dr. King, the song serves as a rallying cry for unity during tumultuous times. The track is currently streaming via an exclusive premiere on Popmatters: https://www.popmatters.com/reverend-shawn-amos-come-together-2525727281.html
"We recorded it in Memphis, TN in the shadow of Dr. King. It's a call to listen to our better angels," write Amos. "Such a simple statement yet so seemingly difficult to put into action. Like Dr. King says, 'I'm sticking with love because hate's too big a burden to bear.' Amen!"
"(We've Got To) Come Together" is the latest in a series of what Amos calls "21st century freedom songs," inspired by the gospel-born protest songs of the 1960s American civil rights movement. Recorded in Memphis' Royal Studios with surviving members of Al Green's lauded 1970s rhythm section, the song also features vocals from Memphis-based vocal group, The Masqueraders. The track was co-produced by Amos and album producer, James Saez who also mixed.
Amos says his forthcoming album, The Reverend Shawn Amos Breaks It Down (out February 16th), is meant to "remind of us our commonality and our brotherhood. I've been listening to a lot of music from the Staples Singers, Freedom Singers, and other '60s blues, folk and gospel acts. Music meant to stir our conscience. We're living in similar times; We need songs to help us stand up."
Amos also recently released an animated lyric video for the poignant and timely song "2017" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icGbmx-LQO8
Watch the music video for "Ain't Gonna Name Names" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icGbmx-LQO8
Shawn Amos has been featured on NPR's Weekend Edition and SCPR's "Take Two" radio programs, and has received accolades from Relix, Purevolume, Elmore, and others. He has performed as a live musical guest on Good Day New York, ABC News, and SiriusXM's Bluesville. He also turned in a must-see studio performance for Classicalite.
His previous record The Reverend Shawn Amos Loves You reached #2 on Roots Music Report's Contemporary Blues Album Chart, aand was produced by 2x Grammy nominee, Mindi Abair.
Videos