This spring marks the release of "AnceStars," a family-focused album by Grammy-nominated mother-and-son duo Nnenna and Pierce Freelon. "AnceStars" is a distinctive recording that delves into the wonder and mystery of the ancestral spirit world. It comprises 13 original songs, each thoughtfully crafted to appeal to all ages. These songs foster a healthy curiosity about life, the afterlife, transformation, healing, and legacy.
The Freelons share a deep and thriving connection to their ancestors. Through their music, rooted in their family’s journey and African American folklore and tradition, they aim to ignite a similar authentic connection in others. This artfully produced album presents the concept with a touching, soothing, celebratory, and beautiful softness. The 2019 passing of Pierce's father and Nnenna's husband, Phil Freelon, significantly influenced their lives and creative paths. Phil, renowned as the architect of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, succumbed to ALS. Both Nnenna and Pierce received Grammy nominations in 2021 for their individual album tributes to Phil: Pierce's "Black to the Future" and Nnenna's "Time Traveler." "AnceStars" represents the next step in their deeply spiritual artistic journey.
"Making music with my son has been a dream come true. I never realized how much I needed this healing," Nnenna reflected. "There are moments when you feel your ancestors uplifting you. This recording is one of those moments."
"I've sensed generations of ancestors flowing through me during this project. They are always with me, offering guidance, love, and protection. I am grateful to honor them with our music, celebrating our sacred bond," added Pierce.
The title track, "AnceStars," warmly invites listeners into the album, serving as an ancestral call to the homeland of the spirit world. "The Land of Love," as Queen Mother Frances Pierce (Nnenna’s mother) referred to 'Heaven,' represents the cosmic origin and destination before birth and after death. "ABC You a G" is a loving alphabetical tribute from Pierce to his daughter Stella. "CelebraShine" is an Afrobeat party song that encourages family dance and celebration. "Build an Altar," featuring Las Cafeteras, highlights ancestral veneration in African American, Mexican, and Indigenous traditions. "Sing Me Down," originally from Nnenna’s 1998 jazz album "Maiden Voyage," gains new meaning after the loss of Pierce’s nephew and Nnenna's grandson, Wonderful. This lullaby, accompanied by Grammy-nominated vocalist Jarrett Johnson and 10-time Grammy Award winner Alvin Chea of Take 6, symbolizes both death and transformation.
"Side by Side," an interlude with Nnenna and granddaughter Stella, reflects on perpetual closeness to ancestors, inspired by Pierce's picture book "Daddy & Me: Side by Side." "You Live in My Memories" honors the enduring presence of departed ancestors in our lives. Nnenna's "Cry a Rainbow" embraces the spectrum of emotions, while "Help You Do The Work," again featuring Jarrett Johnson, underscores the importance of support and self-care. "Little Mushroom" expresses gratitude to fungi for their role in life's cycle, and "Everything Comes and Goes" uses seasonal changes as a metaphor for life's transience. "SonShine," a collaboration between Pierce and producer Omari “Hir-O” Hall, honors their fathers' legacies. The album concludes with "Not So Far Away (interlude)," a gentle reminder of the ever-present spirit of our ancestors.
All songs were written and produced in Durham, North Carolina, by Nnenna and Pierce Freelon, mixed by Steve McKie, and mastered by Jason Richmond. "AnceStars" releases everywhere on May 19. Concurrently, Pierce Freelon's new children's book about his late father, "Daddy & Me: Side by Side," and a new PBS documentary on their family’s ALS journey, "Matter of Mind: My ALS," will be released during ALS awareness month. Nnenna's award-winning podcast "Great Grief" has also recently launched its second season.
ABOUT THE FREELONS
Nnenna and Pierce Freelon, a dynamic mother-and-son duo, are national treasures. Nnenna, a multiple Grammy® Award nominee and creator of the award-winning podcast "Great Grief," is celebrated for her compelling storytelling and captivating performances. Pierce, a Grammy®-nominated musician, author, and educator, has gained recognition through appearances on the Today Show, Rolling Stone, and an Emmy award for his PBS web series "Beat Making Lab." In 2022, they made Recording Academy history as the first mother-and-son to be nominated for Grammys in different categories at the same awards: Pierce for Best Children’s Music Album and Nnenna for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Together, they offer a transformative and electrifying live experience, blending story, voice, and music.
Connect with Pierce and Nnenna through their websites and social media platforms.
ANCESTARS TRACKLISTING
AnceStars
ABC You a G feat. Stella Freelon
CelebraShine
Build an Altar feat. Las Cafeteras
Sing Me Down feat. Jarrett Johnson & Alvin Chea
Side by Side (interlude)
You Live in My Memories
Cry a Rainbow
Help You Do The Work feat. Jarrett Johnson
Little Mushroom
Everything Comes and Goes
SonShine feat. DL Zene
Not So Far Away (interlude)
