Mercy | 3BOPS

1. Anthony Hamilton, “Mercy”

Ft. Tamika D. Mallory

🎵 “Mercy” • 🏷 My Music Box / BMG Rights Management • 📅 2020

🏆 Grammy-winner 🎙 Anthony Hamilton has been one of the most consistent musicians in the game throughout his career.  At the end of 2020, assisted by social justice leader 🎙 Tamika D. Mallory, he drops a soulful R&B gem via the socially conscious 🎵 “Mercy”. Mallory sets the tone, highlighting the value of black men, as well as the struggles they face.  She stirs up the audience with her empowering, uplifting message, which is chocked full of resolve. From there, Hamilton gets to work, blessing us with a mix of buttery smooth and gospel-infused pipes.  Throughout the course of this ‘woke’ joint, he petitions for mercy given such struggles experienced by his community.  Further strengthening the messaging, the awesome songwriting is supported by a marvelous backdrop. “Mercy” ends up being a powerful record with a statement perfectly attuned for turbulent times – Black Lives definitely Matter!  Mr. Hamilton checks off every box.

2. Aaron Frazer, “Have Mercy”

💿 Introducing… • 🏷 Dead Oceans / Easy Eye Sound • 📅 2021

🎙 Aaron Frazer, a member of 🎙 Durand Jones & The Indications, steps out on his own his 2021 debut album, 💿 Introducing…. Throughout the retro-soul LP, Frazer definitely makes the best of a soulful backdrop and his ability to croon like an absolute boss.  Maintaining the soulfulness while simultaneously providing contrast, 🎵 “Have Mercy,” has a slightly lighter, stripped, and more chilled out sound. There’s a bit more space within the instrumental, putting more emphasis on various riffs, as well as Frazer’s ever refined vocals.  “Have Mercy” supports throwback vibes, as many a soul musician also ‘pulled back’ allowing the tone of their voice to shine through sans gospel histrionics.  Thematically, he tackles the universal language of love and matters of the heart.

3. The Cannonball Adderley Quintet, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”

💿 Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Live) • 🏷 Capitol / Blue Note • 📅 1967

🎙 Cannonball Adderley ranks among the best saxophonists of all time.  The alto saxophone in that gifted man’s hands – a blessing from God indeed! Amen! Among his most classic albums is 💿 Mercy, Mercy, Mercy!: Live at “The Club”, with 🎙 The Cannonball Adderley Quintet,  released in 1967.  On this critically acclaimed album, listeners are further blessed with Joe Zawinul-penned soul-jazz classic, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.”  This record is one that appeals beyond the jazz audience, given its funkiness and utterly infectious groove.  Zawinul does some killer bluesy soloing on the keys, while Adderley wails on those high notes during the head of chart.  No better way to put a cap on these mercy-driven 3BOPS!