‘American Utopia’ Drummer Daniel Freedman Shares the Sounds of New Album ‘Ghost Modern’

Drummer and composer Daniel Freedman recorded his new record Ghost Modern prior to taking to the road on tour with David Byrne and later joining Byrne on Broadway in American Utopia. Freedman, a native New Yorker studied under Max Roach during his formative years, when he also explored Afro-Cuban and West African music. Beyond his recent work with Byrne, Freedman has performed with Angelique Kidjo, Anat Cohen and Youssou N-Dour.

Freedman produced Ghost Modern with Michael Leonhart and the record draws on jazz traditions as well as the sounds of the globe. Freeman explains, “I have faith that music from various traditions, played by people from all over the world, can co-exist in one place. The musicians on this record are brilliant, generous and soulful. They always give everything and trust that music will lead us in the right direction.”

Freedman has shared a Spotify playlist that reflects the sounds of Ghost Modern. The playlist appears below Freedman’s commentary. The album itself, is currently streaming .

RL Burnside – “Jumper on the Line”

Forro In The Dark – “Caipirinha”

Daniel Freedman, Gilmar Gomes – “Sol” 

For “Sol,” I heard a mashup of this RL Burnside swing with a Forro groove. Gilmar Gomes came up with the lyrics and melody. I was lucky enough to play with Forro in The Dark a bunch and that’s just about the most fun that I’ve ever had. Also got to play on this track by Forro in the Dark.

Gnawa Home Songs – “Bangoro”

This has the intimate sound of Gnawa music played at home. I was in Marrakech one winter and played for a few weeks with some amazing Gnawa musicians. This is the kind of sound I was looking for on Salunabi.

Mbongwana Star – “Malukayi”

Because it’s so good.

Los Munequitos de Matanzas – “El Tonelero”

This record sounds like outer space to me. Like twinkling stars, total magic. I love Michael Leonharts mixes and he gets the music to have some of this kind of space. When I played him this reference he immediately knew what I meant.

Daklon – “Eyalet Hen”

Daniel Freedman – “The Prize”

“The Prize” is my reworking of the classic civil rights anthem but with a bit of this Yemenite swing to it.

Ali Farka Touré – “Karaw”

The most relaxed groove ever. The king. A trip to Mali in 1997 changed me forever.

Talking Heads – “The Great Curve”

Relentless surreal funk. Love this song and we played it on the American Utopia tour.

Daniel Freedman – “Elegia”

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