Freddie Bryant and I chat about his song cycle 'Upper West Side Love Story'

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Freddie Bryant played in the Upper West Side as a small child and grew up on its streets. His song cycle really is a Love Story to these streets and playgrounds. In our discussion, Freddie tells the story of the poetry and the music and how it all came together.

This is a poignant album and it tells a different story about an area of New York some of us have seen in films through the decades but that Freddie knows personally. His poetry and music have a dynamic interplay that tell a tale of his home, reflecting on homelessness and the dark side of gentrification.

Thanks to Freddie for allowing me to play extracts from Upper West Side Love Story alongside our conversation.

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Don't forget the Quincy Jones quote that sums up why I do this: "Imagine what a harmonious world it would be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing."