First Look: Marsha Ambrosius remembers the "Old Times"

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    (July 3, 2018) Marsha Ambrosius is no stranger to the task of pulling off trendy concept videos and musical content reflecting the hot-button issues of the times. In 2011, she lit the blogs on fire with her forward conversation about suicide and bullying in the LGBTQ community on “Far Away,” earning the former Floetry singer several Grammy nods and an Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award at the Soul Train Music Awards. And now, her latest effort is yet another portrait reflecting the grey skies of today.

    (July 3, 2018) Marsha Ambrosius is no stranger to the task of pulling off trendy concept videos and musical content reflecting the hot-button issues of the times. In 2011, she lit the blogs on fire with her forward conversation about suicide and bullying in the LGBTQ community on “Far Away,” earning the former Floetry singer several Grammy nods and an Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award at the Soul Train Music Awards. And now, her latest effort is yet another portrait reflecting the grey skies of today.

    On “Old Times,” the English singer-songwriter shines light on the social injustices that ignited the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Gripping imagery of police brutality and Trayvon Martin martyrdom are weaved into the short film. One moment past the halfway mark, there’s a hoodie-clad teen and his confrontation with the police that literally sends goosebumps into orbit. While using the artful forcefulness of Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” Ambrosius is fully surrounded by tranquil neo-soul vibes, capturing the poetic undertones of Solange’s contemporary R&B. Her vibrato is heavier than usual, which might be its greatest quip, but her heartfelt emotiveness captures a sonic decorum that embodies the agony of the present-day black American struggle. 

    According to sources, expect a round of remixes to appear very soon. In the meantime, check out this SoulTracks First Look for the concept video of “Old Times” and let us know what you think. 

    By J Matthew Cobb

    Marsha Ambrosius - "Old Times"