Setting the tone with a cerebral guitar performance with celestial nuances and a high spiritual quotient, Gregg Kofi Brown opens The River (Remix) with an innovative energy and an ancestral African presence.
This combination of ancient-futurism feels refreshing, and we deeply connect with Gregg Kofi Brown‘s delivery of the opening lines, “Lord I’m worried, Lord, I am scared, I have made mistakes you know, I will put my troubles behind me, come and wash away my soul…”
The opus expands with an invitation to meet by the river and cleanse ourselves spiritually. The story is of a man who feels worried and afraid. He knows he has made mistakes and wants forgiveness. He hopes to cleanse his soul in the river of life and find redemption. The intention of the track is clear, and we love the choral harmonies, as well as the timeless gospel feel that manifests. This is brought into the present and even the future with the sound design of the track, which has a conceptual feel to it.
Speaking on the release, Gregg Kofi Brown confesses that The River (Remix) is “a cry for those seeking salvation to meet up by the river to wash away their sins.” We also learn that the track was co-written with Ed Sheeran. Gregg Kofi Brown has previously worked with Sting on a classical African ballad titled Lullaby to an Anxious Child.
There is no doubt that The River is a call to anyone looking for salvation, and this feels zeitgeist and important on a cultural level, now, more than ever. The River was initially released during the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP30, and Gregg Kofi Brown performed a series of concerts during that time – joined by his protégé and collaborator Fartura Flame, as well as British Nigerian artist Akin Soul.
Since COP30 was held in Belém, a city on the Amazon River, the release of The River also carries a strong environmental message. It was mixed by renowned producer Chris Kimsey, known for his work on several iconic albums by The Rolling Stones.
Needless to say, we are in awe of The River (Remix) and have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Gregg Kofi Brown, including the original version of the song, and Make a Change.