2024 has been a pivotal year for jazz vocal legend, Tierney Sutton—not just as a performer, but as a songwriter.
With the album, Good People, Sutton surprises with a fresh role, merging her expressive voice with thoughtful, reflective songwriting. In this album, she blends philosophy, humor, and heartfelt emotion, backed by the vibrant energy of the San Gabriel 7, creating a powerful and dynamic listening experience.
Leading the charge is the title track of her collaboration with the San Gabriel 7, Good People. This isn’t just any jazz record; it’s a bold commentary on systemic racism in America, filtered through Sutton’s sharp wit and rich vocal delivery. Good People is equal parts satire and social critique, with Sutton acknowledging the biting sarcasm woven into its lyrics—"I couldn’t help it," she says. "This track isn’t just meant to entertain; it’s designed to make listeners uncomfortable, to provoke thought and conversation."
Good People is a song that addresses racism in America. With poignant references to historical events like redlining and Emmett Till, the song sheds light on systemic issues while offering a reflective narrative. Tierney's insightful lyrics act as a wake-up call, challenging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and aspire to be genuinely good people. This song is not just music; it's a heartfelt message and a call to awareness.
“No doubt there are thousands of ‘Emmett Tills’ (the Scottsboro Boys, The Groveland 7, The Central Park 5)," says Sutton. "These historical facts felt like smelling salts that woke me up to what had been hiding in plain sight all my life. ‘Good People’ is a song about me, about my people (white Americans) and the things we continually repeat so that we can think of ourselves as 'Good People.'"
Three additional songs, Where'd I Put My Keys?, Ten, and The In Between, showcase Sutton's versatility and depth as a lyricist, as well as a vocalist.
Where'd I Put My Keys? brings a light-hearted touch to the album, with Sutton penning clever, relatable lyrics set to Serge Merlaud’s bluesy melody. The song is playful, yet it carries an underlying theme of searching for balance in a chaotic world.
Ten is perhaps the most poignant song on the album, where Sutton pays tribute to ten women executed by the Iranian government for practicing The Baháʼí Faith. It’s a powerful, sorrowful reflection on persecution and resilience, with Sutton's lyrics offering a somber yet dignified remembrance of those women.
In addition to these standout tracks, The In Between further demonstrates Sutton’s lyrical prowess. Set to a beautifully melodic tune, the song explores the division between ‘Us’ and ‘Them,’ offering a hopeful vision of a space where we can all come together as human beings, inviting listeners to reflect on the importance of understanding and empathy
With this album, Tierney Sutton redefines herself as not just a singer but a songwriter with depth, heart, and a broad emotional range. Check out this timely and impactful song and video above, and the full album below, and join the conversation for change. For more on Tierney Sutton, visit her website here.
Comments