Terri Lyne Carrington and the Social Science collective have a new anthem for a woman’s independence called “Autonomy Song” with vocalist Ledisi, harpist Brandee Younger, and poets J. Ivy and Tarriona “Tank” Ball. The slinky, sensual groove is emboldened with a serious message about the self-possession of womanhood. It’s in your face but tempered by Ledisi’s soft refrain about literally owning her body. Her vocals work like a soft subliminal while Ball riffs on what it means to live inside a freely expressed physical form. J. Ivy shares his words and gives life and representation for men who are anti-patriarchal. Carrington explained “Autonomy Song” in a press release.
“Women have been oppressed for centuries – physically and otherwise. A woman has the right and capacity to make her own decisions about her life, her body, her future – including reproductive rights, sexual freedom, and all forms of self-determination and liberation. Nor should a woman be subjected to violence or any kind of abuse. Ledisi, Tank, and J. Ivy (a dream team) nailed these points home in their own remarkably singular ways.”
“Autonomy Song” is included on Carrington’s next album, Trip the Night Fantastic, the title being inspired by the phrase “trip the light fantastic” from John Milton’s 1645 poem, L’Allegro. The album is focused on making people dance at a political time when it seems like there isn’t much reason to step onto the dance floor. Carrington dismisses that idea because, as she says, “If we thought things would never get better, there’d be no hope or reason to work toward anything. Hopefully, people choose to do their part however they can, but what’s important is being empathetic and authentic. We set out to make something that can offer windows to imagining a future where the concern for society and humanity is prioritized.” Miki Howard, Kokayi, and Lizz Wright are some of the other featured guests. Trip the Night Fantastic comes out on July 31st. Carrington will perform at the Saratoga Jazz Festival on June 27th and the Newport Jazz Festival on August 1st.
