Danielle Ponder - “Poor Man’s Pain”
SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 4
Pairs Well With…Diane Warwick, Alicia Keys, Nina Simone
In R&B, soul, and gospel, bigger is generally viewed as better -- big voices, big choruses, just big. In this world, Danielle Ponder stands out for her measured approach. Mind you, she has a strong deep voice, but at least half of her songs take a restrained approach to these genres. The result is natural vocals that convey emotion without hitting you over the head. For example, “Be Gentle” is a warm gospel infused pop song. “Look Around” is a 70s inspired R&B/soul number that is delivered with quiet deliberation. But her stand out track is, “Poor Man’s Pain,” which tells the story of Willie Simmons, sentenced to life in prison for stealing nine dollars. Ponder says that she wrote the song “to reflect the desperation that men like Willie Simmons have felt and the pain of being removed from society for $9, but I also wanted the song to feel hopeful to offer some comfort to men and women like Mr. Simmons. I wanted the vibe to feel like vintage soul, reflecting on an era where music played a big role in civil rights and justice.” The impetus for this song also garners my vote for most inspiring artist back story. Ponder went to law school and practiced as a public defender for five years after her brother was sentenced to 20 years in jail for a robbery when she was a teenager. She left the law behind in 2018 to pursue music full-time. Her first record, So Long, was released just this week. Not only do I love this song, but the cause is dear to me from my work at Families Against Mandatory Minimums (“FAMM”). “Poor Man’s Pain” concludes with Ponder showing the full power of her voice, singing, “Freedom won’t you call out my name!” Let’s join in and remember that message when politicians demand excessive punishment for crimes committed by the poor and racial minorities while corrupt politicians and white-collar criminals often go free because of their money and connections. O.K. my venting finished. Go hear Ponder if you’d like to experience a more minimalist approach to throwback soul and R&B. (David Zlotnick)