(July 4, 2024) It’s been over 20 years since UK soul master Shaun Escoffery released his first single, “Space Rider” and ten years from the time when “Nature’s Call” became the singer’s debut on the British Top 30 charts. Along the way, Escoffery graced the theater stages in Britain via the musical productions of Mama, I Want To Sing and in the role of Mufasa in the London staging of The Lion King.
Co-authored with producer Gil Cang, Shaun debuts his new single, “Hope,” on which he wastes no time with getting the point over. From the start, Escoffery gives a brief state of the world’s current condition (spoiler alert – it isn’t good), then asks the simple question of “how can man be so cold….where’s the light, where’s the soul,” then succinctly exclaims that within his heart, he still has hope.
The mid-slow tempo of the arrangement is simple and steady, allowing Shaun’s husky, smoky baritone and multilayered chorus carry the melody and the message.
For those who wonder if songsmiths will ever create works that speak to the state of today’s world and what is so needed, they need to look no further than Shaun Escoffery’s “Hope.” This delivers the word firmly without being preachy, along with strength and optimism. Looking forward to more anthems like this from Mr. Escoffery.
By Kevin Goins
