Ben Lamar Gay – “John, John Henry”

There might not be a more prescient tale than that of John Henry right about now. With an over-reliance on technology steadily posed to strip the populace of jobs, wealth, and environment alike, Henry’s hammer vs the encroachment of automation hangs like a specter over the expanses of America. The song’s been sung many times, wound into folk, blues, and spirituals in the hands of many. In Ben LaMar Gay’s hands, the song is simmered into a fusion of jazz, experimental excursions, and defiant choral strength that swaps corporate violence for systemic violence; though one could say they go hand in hand, one feeding off of the other. However the machine is cast, it looms and Henry’s fight is felt pound for pound until the end. Henry fights a system — insurmountable, seemingly unshakable — one always ready to change the rules in order to let itself come out on top. But, it’s Henry’s resolve to be the protector that’s at the core of the song, a sacrifice that shines like a beacon and begs emmulation. The impressive new album, Yowzers, from Lamar Gay is out June 6th from International Anthem.

Support the artist. Buy it HERE.