Drummer/Composer Phil Haynes reunites his socially conscious “jazz-grass” string band Free Country for their first new album in over a decade
Liberty Now!, out October 17, 2025 via Corner Store Jazz, pairs an album of new compositions touched by protest and grief with a compilation of songs tracing the turbulent history of America; Featuring Haynes with cellist/vocalist Hank Roberts, guitarist Jim Yanda & bassist Drew Gress.
“Free Country fuses grassroots Americana with hip, upbeat arrangements that toggle jazz, bluegrass and country [and] breathe new life into American heritage and traditionalism.” – Glenn Astarita, All About Jazz
“Since arriving in New York from Oregon in 1983, drummer Phil Haynes established himself as a potent force on the downtown composer/improviser scene.” – Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes