Freedom

Album Overview

The self-titled album "Freedom" is the second studio effort by the British blues-rock and heavy progressive power trio Freedom. Released in 1970 on Probe Records, this album found its way into the hands of rock enthusiasts in both the UK and the US. In some international editions, it is referred to as "Freedom at Last." The album’s catalog numbers are SPBA 6252 in the UK and ABCS-708 in the US.

Band Formation and Style

Freedom transformed into a heavy power trio with a lineup featuring founding member Bobby Harrison, who took on the roles of vocalist and drummer. Harrison previously played with Procol Harum and later joined Snafu. He was joined by Roger Saunders, a virtuoso lead guitarist and pianist, alongside bassist and vocalist Walt Monaghan, who had previously been part of The Ferris Wheel and later joined IF. This reconfiguration marked a shift from the band’s earlier psychedelic influences to a heavier, blues-infused hard rock sound.

Production Details

The album was engineered by Roy Thomas Baker at Trident Studios in London, a well-known facility for producing high-quality recordings. For the US market, Bill Szymczyk handled the remix engineering, ensuring that the album's sound was finely tuned for audiences across the Atlantic. The production quality contributes to the album's powerful sound, characterized by blistering Les Paul guitar riffs and soaring vocals.

Musical Content

"Freedom" features eight tracks that highlight the band's new direction. Songs like "In Search Of Something" and the eight-minute progressive piece "Dusty Track" offer extended jams that delve into the heavy rock genre. Other notable tracks include "Man Made Laws" and "Ain't No Chance To Score." The album closes with the title track "Freedom" and "Frustrated Woman," both of which encapsulate the band's raw energy and musicianship.

Release Format

This album was released as a vinyl LP, a popular format during the era. The use of vinyl not only reflects the musical style of the time but also appeals to collectors and audiophiles who value the analog sound quality. The album's release in 1970 places it within a vibrant period of musical innovation and experimentation in rock music.

The album "Freedom" was released on Probe Records in 1970.