Way back in 1964 legendary, singer/songwriter, Mose Allison wrote a unique anti-war song called “Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy”. Allison recorded the song for one of his early albums and over the years a few other artists have also recorded it in much the same vein as Allison. Now in 2008, with all the unrest in the world, it seems fitting for this song to have new life once again.
Ray Brown Jr. and Dr. Lonnie Smith have indeed given new life to this song in a wonderful new blues duet version. Although the song is anti-war in sentiment, “This song evokes the theme that everybody wants to stop war and that makes me think of the men and women who are out there fighting wars for us…it reminds me that the veterans need and deserve our help,” says producer, Shelly Liebowitz of SRI Jazz.
SRI Jazz, Brown’s record label, announced today that a portion of the proceeds from all digital downloads of the song “Everybody’s Crying Mercy” will be donated to the National Veterans Foundation. “The NVF is a national, non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to bettering the lives of veterans and their families, and honoring their service to our country”. The NVF is best known for its work as the only veterans charity specializing in live, toll-free crisis management, information and referral services for all veterans and their families through its "Lifeline for Veterans-1-888-777-4443."
“We are proud of our veterans and honored to be able to assist the NVF in this small way. After all no group has been more affected by war then our veterans and that is why we are pleased to help the NVF”, added Liebowitz.
The song appears on Ray Brown Jr.’s new all-star, duets CD “Friends And Family”. The duet by Brown and Smith, renowned Hammond B3 Organ musician and winner of the “2008 Jazz Journalists Award as Organ -Keyboards of the Year”, features Smith vocally as well as with his amazing B3 grooves. “The jazz and blues world knows my old friend, Dr. Lonnie as a great instrumentalist and I wanted everyone to realize what a great vocalist he is as well. His performance on “Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy” with Ray shows off his talents very well”, said Liebowitz.
Along with Smith, the CD contains performances with Dr. John, Dionne Warwick, Paul Williams, Sophie B. Hawkins, David “Fathead” Newman, Melba Moore, Jane Monheit, Maria Muldaur, James Moody, Freda Payne, Sally Kellerman, Terry Gibbs, Dave Somerville, Kim Hoyer plus a duet with his daughter Haylee and one with his mom and dad (Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Brown).
“Friends And Family” makes its world premiere on iTunes on New Music Tuesday, August 12th and will be available at retail and all other digital distribution outlets starting on September 15th. Music lovers can listen to the album for free on the label’s website, http://www.srirecords.com by clicking on the Jukebox and then “Friends And Family”.
For additional information please contact Shelly Liebowitz at SRI Jazz 818.299.6297 and for information on the National Veterans Foundation please call 1-888-777-4443.
JazzReview.com
