Imagine That

One of the most in-demand drummers in New York –
tapped by Angélique Kidjo, Sting and Anat Cohen – Daniel Freedman presents his third album as a leader, the
rhythmically infectious Imagine That. The release draws
on a world of music: tune-rich originals that channel
African, Middle Eastern, Latin and Indian grooves, as well
as an astoundingly fresh version of a rarely covered Radiohead song (“Codex”).
Freedman, born and bred in New York City, leads an international quintet that features guitarist-vocalist Lionel Loueke (from Benin), keyboardist Jason Lindner (Brooklyn), bassist Omer Avital (Israel) and percussionist Gilmar Gomes (Brazil). Benin-born vocal star Angélique Kidjo, with whom Freedman has toured the world as drummer in her band, sings “Baby Aya,” a dancing lullaby he wrote for his infant daughter. Imagine That is the follow-up to Freedman’s 2012 Anzic album, Bamako by Bus, which garnered his band a showcase live on NPR.