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Platinum Pied Pipers: In Pursuit Of 'Abundance'

A celebratory anthem for a time when America is breaking down barriers, Platinum Pied Pipers' "Abundance" nicely reflects an era marked by both unease and opportunity. Like Martha & The Vandellas' apolitical 1964 hit "Dancing in the Streets," which captured the hope and excitement of the civil-rights moment, "Abundance" teems with vivacity.

Backed by a revved-up boogie-woogie piano riff and snazzy horns, guest vocalist Coultrain croons about his ambitions to a skeptical paramour: "I know you're scared / But worrying makes no sense." But his own insecurities — "Don't know who I am / Don't think I ever did" — have already been laid bare in the song's first words. Still, every time he hits the song's rousing chorus ("You're a slave to tradition if you don't wanna have it all / If revolution ain't your picture, then you'll cease to exist at all"), it's clear that discouragement can wait for another day.

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John Murph
John Murph writes about music and culture and works as a web producer for BETJazz.com. He also contributes regularly to The Washington Post Express, JazzTimes, Down Beat, and JazzWise magazines.