“Freedom” is a consuming rocker from Sundogs, a Seattle-based band formed by Stan Snow and Jed Moffitt. Taking inspiration from jazz fusion and classic rock, the track features rollicking guitars, organ backing, and confident vocals. Alan White (Yes) plays drums on the track, dazzling with his steady presence. A guitar solo around 03:35 adds an enjoyable vibrancy, following verses that remind fondly of Tom Petty’s carefree, road-set vibes. Fans of classic rock should give a listen to Sundogs’ new album, The Code, of which “Freedom” is a part.
Sundogs’ Stan Snow elaborates on the track below:
“The idea for this song first came to me while I was playing a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar in DADGAD tuning. I came up with the opening riff, and then added the chord progression and melody. I was hearing a Crosby, Stills, Nash vocal harmony in my head, and the word Freedom came to mind as I was singing the first sustained note of what became the chorus. As the tune developed from there, I was thinking about how so many people throughout history have struggled, fought and died, with unrelenting determination to gain their freedom.
And the injustice of what happens when those in power, decimate those who stand in their way. There is a book “Guns, Germs and Steel” by Jared Diamond, where he talks about cultures who were able to dominant others throughout history because, in part, of those three things. The last verse is primarily about artistic freedom in the music business.
We had the great honor and privilege to have the legendary Alan White (YES, John Lennon, George Harrison, etc.) play drums on this track. Thank you, Alan!! And in an effort to take the song in a YES direction on the production, I used a Rickenbacker 4003 bass, a 1963 reissue Gibson ES-335 electric guitar, and a Gibson L-4 electric guitar. Jed played some great Hammond organ parts, as well as a CP-70 electric piano. Don Gunn panned the lead guitar fills side-to-side in places, to give the mix additional depth. You may have to put your headphones on to hear it clearly.”
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“Freedom” and other memorable tracks from September can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of September 2020’ Spotify playlist.
