Award-winning composer Germono Toussaint has released his debut album “Brown Liquor & Blessed Oil” on all platforms.
(New York, NY, July 4, 2021): Heralded songwriter, composer, and arranger Germono Toussaint confronts past trauma with his autobiographical debut album Brown Liquor and Blessed Oil. Released on July 4th, the day America celebrates its independence, Brown Liquor and Blessed Oil is Toussaint’s journey to freedom from spiritual, emotional, and sexual bondage.
Brown Liquor and Blessed Oil’s lead single, “Having a Party,” released in June and featuring popular drag cabaret performer Michael Michelle Lynch, is a throwback funk tune that highlights Toussaint’s early years in an alcohol-and party-fueled household on the northside of Milwaukee. The next 17 tracks, walk through the next phases of his life, from getting “saved” (accepting Jesus Christ), becoming ordained as a minister, exploring and subsequently hiding his sexual identity, battling depression and suicidal thoughts, and finally embracing himself and living out loud as a queer man of faith.
Interspersed with audio clips from Toussaint’s therapy sessions and personal stories, Brown Liquor and Blessed Oil includes recollections of the people and events that impacted his journey. “The Party’s Over” tells the story of his family’s transition from a life of partying to living a strictly Christian lifestyle. On “Tribute to My Dad,” Toussaint talks to his therapist about his father with whom he shares a deep connection despite not having the opportunity to really know him.
“I’m sharing my stories firstly to heal myself and clear out the dark spaces to allow for more light,” Toussaint explains. “I’m also hopeful that my story will inspire a person or a group of people to continue their own spiritual/sexual evolution.”
Brown Liquor and Blessed Oil is as much about Toussaint’s musical journey as it is his personal life. Starting with the lively party anthem “Having A Party” which borrows heavily from the 1970s and 80s era disco, funk, and ending with the bold soul song “Out Loud,” the album includes unique blends of gospel, pop, soul, and tinges of hip hop. Brown Liquor and Blessed Oil features appearances from both well-established and brand new voices including Nhojj, Ka (Black Sun), Dave Tony, Ken Alston Jr., Bishop Yvette Flunder, Cameron Bernard Jones, Dr. John-Martin Green, and Crystal Monee Hall.
“My idol will always be Quincy Jones,” says Toussaint. “I’ve fashioned my career after him as much as I could. My style has also been heavily influenced by Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and Sam Cooke.”
Brown Liquor & Blessed Oil, released on all music platforms on July 4th, is made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by LMCC.
Access Media Materials are here.
Album Listening Link is here.