With TURNING TABLES, Chris Oledude presents a vibrant, soul-infused statement that fuses groove, social reflection, and a clear artistic mission. As part of our webzine’s dedication to highlighting high-quality releases, this track stands out as an exciting preview of Oledude’s debut album PREACHER MAN – VOL. 1, offering listeners an engaging, funky introduction to the sound and purpose driving his creative resurgence.
Rooted in soul and funk, TURNING TABLES immediately asserts itself through its rhythmic foundation. The beat leans on a tight, syncopated pattern that draws upon the legacy of classic funk ensembles while maintaining a smooth contemporary polish. The groove feels both grounded and mobile, a musical embodiment of the track’s central idea: “You can’t have a movement if you’re not moving.” Every percussive accent speaks to motion and forward energy, placing rhythm at the forefront as both a musical and symbolic element.
The synth work adds a warm, dynamic layer that enriches the song’s atmosphere. Instead of overwhelming the arrangement, the synth lines weave fluidly between the bass and vocal parts, enhancing the harmonic structure and giving the track its distinctive color. Their tonal palette recalls the lush textures of 1970s soul while maintaining a modern clarity, echoing influences such as Stevie Wonder’s expressive keys or Curtis Mayfield’s melodic sensitivity. The result is an enveloping sound that frames Oledude’s voice with nuance and depth.
Atmospherically, TURNING TABLES balances feel-good energy with purposeful storytelling. The track is undeniably fun and funky, yet its musical brightness doesn’t overshadow the thematic core. Oledude’s approach connects today’s socio-political challenges with the rich tradition of soul and funk as vehicles for truth-telling. The lyrics articulate the urgency of economic struggle and the need for societal change, reflecting the artist’s commitment to addressing the realities shaping contemporary life. This fusion of rhythm and message has long been central to protest music, and Oledude taps into that lineage with confidence and sincerity.
The song also provides an accessible gateway into the wider universe of PREACHER MAN – VOL. 1. This debut album intertwines classic soul, gospel, funk, and folk, creating a sonic tapestry that pays homage to the musical history that shaped Oledude. The album has been described as carrying the spirit of artists like Gil Scott-Heron and Curtis Mayfield while preserving a modern, unmistakably personal voice. Within this context, TURNING TABLES functions as a thematic cornerstone: it is a call to awareness, a gesture of movement, and a direct connection to the album’s exploration of truth, healing, and social responsibility.
Oledude’s artistic journey adds further depth to the track. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in a creatively rich family environment, he grew up harmonizing with his brothers and absorbing a wide spectrum of musical influences. His early work, including the cassette Anyone’s Revolution from 1984, reflected his long-standing dedication to social justice and political awareness. Over the years, he became deeply involved in civic activism, stepping away from music until personal loss and reflection brought him back to songwriting with renewed purpose.
Re-emerging in 2020 under the name Chris Oledude, he began blending “old school” genres with a modern urgency, creating works that resonated globally. Projects like George Floyd: Say Their Names and Orange Blues 24 showcased his ability to merge message and music in ways that speak directly to the emotional and political climate of the moment. No Crowns For Clowns followed, continuing his commentary on contemporary issues.
TURNING TABLES draws from this lineage of activism, experience, and reinvention. It is a lively and compelling snapshot of an artist reconnecting with his roots while channeling the energy of the present. Rhythmic, synth-rich, and atmospherically uplifting, the track captures the essence of Oledude’s mission: to inspire movement—both physical and social—through the transformative power of funk and soul.