After a fateful day in the summer of 2014, Ferguson Missouri became the topic of nearly every conversation. The shooting of Michael Brown coupled with tensions between residents and law enforcement resulted in unfairly labeling Ferguson the most dangerous city in America. The turbulent relationship with protesters demanding justice and the local government wanting order, inadvertently had people across the nation choosing a side where no line was drawn. What the media didn’t tell you, Ferguson is a thriving community of good people trying to make a living, raise children, and make their way through life just like every other town in the country. Representing Ferguson and that often unsung life, is Brian Owens.
As a preacher’s son and long-time resident of Ferguson, Owens is known for his charitable works just as much for his soulful, Motown influenced voice. Working with the local youths and helping the community thrive by way of various programs, it’s easy to see just how important Ferguson is to Owens. Dropping the needle on his record Soul Of Ferguson, and it’s even easier to hear it. From front to back, Soul Of Ferguson is a love letter to Owen’s influences as well as the place he calls home.
Channeling the likes of Curtis Mayfield and Sam Cooke, the vocals on each track showcase elements often missing in today’s R&B.
It’s also worth noting, Soul Of Ferguson is made up entirely of live instruments. Not midi files or samples in Pro-Tools. Brian Owens & The Deacons of Soul are an authentic blend of Soul, Gospel, and maybe even a little Americana. Sweet melodies are backed by an outstanding rhythm section, and vocals are elevated by tasteful and sometimes cinematic, brass ensembles. It’s all brought together by Motown-esque production. Despite being firmly rooted in the golden years of Soul, Soul Of Ferguson isn’t the least archaic or outdated.
The most remarkable aspect of Soul Of Ferguson is the overwhelming sense of heart. Owens performs every song as if his vocal cords are attached to his very heart. He sings of love and togetherness and means it. This isn’t an album for clenching fists and marching in front of a police station, it’s an honest display compassion, reaching out to your brothers and sisters and telling them there’s a better way. The epitome of this mindset is perfectly presented in “For You”, a duet with Ferguson native, Michael McDonald. There’s something special about two soul artists from different eras and races, coming together in perfect harmony to sing about the beautiful elements of devotion.
Presented here on vinyl, Brian Owens is no stranger to Soul Step Records.
His insanely popular Soul Of Cash (an R&B re-imagining of various Johnny Cash songs) is already in its second pressing. But even as remarkable that album is, Soul Of Ferguson proves Brian Owens & The Deacons of Soul stand among legends with their own original music. The vinyl version of Soul Of Ferguson will inevitability sell out not long after release and become a sought after collector’s item.
Whether you’re spinning the album on a turntable or streaming it on your favorite service, Soul Of Ferguson by Brian Owens & The Deacons of Soul have constructed an album to show the world, towns shouldn’t be defined by crime or tragedy. Tensions can be lifted if inhabitants work together as a family instead of people merely sharing a piece of land. Maybe if we can come together and show each other love, we can mend the state of the world just as Brian Owens has tried to help heal his hometown?
For more information on Brian Owens & The Deacons of Soul visit brianowenssoul.com
To purchase Soul Of Furguson on limited edition vinyl, visit Soul Step Records.
