I was lucky enough to get an early listen of ZZ Ward’s newest album Liberation prior to its release date set for Friday March 14th via Sun Records. I’ve been a fan of ZZ’s since I caught her in 2018 opening for Kaleo in Indianapolis and was appreciative of the opportunity to review her latest release.
A lot has changed for ZZ Ward since her last album in 2023…She stepped away from a major label for the first time, feeling that the industry pressures often pulled her away from her blues foundation. She connected with Sun Records (yes, that Sun Records) which gave ZZ the independence to dive back into her roots and step into the shoes of some of the Blues heroes like Howlin’ Wolf, Bessie Smith, Big Momma Thorton and B.B. King. Most importantly, ZZ became a mother recently, juggling both motherhood and artistic independence in an industry that doesn’t always allow time for an artist to have a life.
I must admit, after listening to Liberation, I believe ZZ seems to have rediscovered her muse.
Liberation kicks off with “Mother” setting the tone and transformation that’s both personal and professional for ZZ. With her smokey vocals and blues swagger, you can feel the unpredictability, exhaustion and intensity of early motherhood. The new album, produced by Ryan Spraker, is a terrific blend of classic Blues covers and new Delta foot-stomping rhythms, mixed with rootsy garage rock and a little vintage soul thrown in for good measure. It has that old school distortion that sounds just right.
“This is who I’ve always wanted to be – A Blues artist on my own terms!”
ZZ Ward
If you’re a lover of powerhouse blues vocals, smokin’ guitar solos, driving percussion and swampy rhythms, you will certainly enjoy Liberation. ZZ Ward will be out on the Dirty Sun Tour showcasing the new material this Spring. Check below for dates near you. I can’t wait to witness and hear this album brought to life on stage with ZZ and hopefully her trademark fedora!
LIBERATION TRACK LISTING
Mother
My Baby Left Me (Arthur Crudup cover)
I Have No One
Cadillac Man (The Jesters cover)
Love Alive
Naked In the Jungle
Liberation
Lioness
Grinnin’ In Your Face
Dust My Broom (Robert Johnson cover)
Sinner’s Prayer (Ray Charles cover)
Something You Got (Chris Kenner cover)
Clairvoyant
Next To You
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TOUR DATES – The Dirty Sun Tour (With special guest: Liam St. John)
- March 12 – City Winery Boston – Boston MA
- March 14 – The Ridgefield Playhouse – Ridgefield CT
- March 15 – City Winery NYC – New York, NY
- March 16 – City Winery Philadelphia – Philadelphia PA
- March 18 – Maryland Hall for Creative Arts – Annapolis MD
- March 19 – Birchmere – Alexandria VA
- March 21 – Blind Pig – Ann Arbor MI
- March 22 – The Kent Stage – Kent OH
- March 23 – Mercury Ballroom – Louisville KY
- March 25 – The Tobias Theater – Indianapolis IN
- March 26 – City Winery Chicago – Chicago IL
- March 28 – Majestic Theatre – Madison WI
- March 29 – Fitzgerald Theatre – West Saint Paul MN
- April 1 – City Winery St Louis – St. Louis MO
- April 2 – Madrid Theatre – Kansas City MO
- April 4 – Tower Theatre – Oklahoma OK
- April 5 – Longhorn Ballroom – Dallas TX
- April 6 – The Heights Theater – Houston, TX
- April 8 – Chickie Wah Wah – New Orleans LA
- April 9 – Hernando’s Hideaway – Memphis, TN
- April 11 – City Winery Atlanta – Atlanta GA
- April 12 – City Winery Nashville – Nashville TN
About Sun Records: (via press release)
Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists like Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture. For more information, visit Sun Records.
