Vocalist and composer Aubrey Johnson releases “Don’t Be Afraid” today, the third and final single ahead of her debut Greenleaf Music album The Lively Air, arriving March 20, 2026.

Among the songs introduced in advance of the album, “Don’t Be Afraid” holds a special place. It was the first piece Johnson composed for the project, written after a period away from writing while spending time in nature at an artist retreat. Inspired by what she describes as “the stillness and wisdom of the trees,” the piece marks the moment Johnson found her way back to composing.
 

Where “Hope” opened the record with a delicate yet acrobatic ode to resilience, and “The Words I Cannot Say” invited listeners inward with a moment of reflection, “Don’t Be Afraid” charts its own course. The long-form piece moves through a range of moods and phases, carried forward by Aubrey’s six-piece ensemble.

Aubrey Johnson, voice
Tomoko Omura, violin
Alex LoRe, bass clarinet / alto sax
Chris McCarthy, piano
Matt Aronoff, bass
Jay Sawyer, drums

The Lively Air arrives March 20, 2026 via Greenleaf Music. Stream “Don’t Be Afraid” and pre-order here.

Johnson will celebrate the album with a release show at Birdland Jazz Club in New York on March 22 at 5:30 PM.
315 West 44th St
New York, NY
Tickets and information here.

More from The Lively Air:
• Album Trailer
• Album announcement & Single #1 “Hope”
• “Hope” Music Video
• Single #2 “The Words I Cannot Say