Traditional African American gospel performed by the renowned and profound bass vocalist of the Fairfield Four, Isaac "Dickie" Freeman, and backed by Nashville's prized Bluebloods with vocals by sisters Ann McCrary and Reg... more »ina McCrary Brown. Freeman recalls the songs that were important to him over his illustrious 50+ years in the gospel business. Also included, "You Must Come In At the Bottom," written especially for him by Garrison Keillor. Back up vocalists, Ann and Regina, the daughters of legendary lead tenor and founding member of the Fairfield Four, Reverend Sam McCrary, come full circle, now working with the man they heard singing with their father at living room rehearsals all those years ago. Mike Henderson shines on slide guitar with the Bluebloods providing exceptional back-up. Production by noted Nashville singer/songwriter Kieran Kane in collaboration with writer/gospel historian Jerry Zolten.« less
Traditional African American gospel performed by the renowned and profound bass vocalist of the Fairfield Four, Isaac "Dickie" Freeman, and backed by Nashville's prized Bluebloods with vocals by sisters Ann McCrary and Regina McCrary Brown. Freeman recalls the songs that were important to him over his illustrious 50+ years in the gospel business. Also included, "You Must Come In At the Bottom," written especially for him by Garrison Keillor. Back up vocalists, Ann and Regina, the daughters of legendary lead tenor and founding member of the Fairfield Four, Reverend Sam McCrary, come full circle, now working with the man they heard singing with their father at living room rehearsals all those years ago. Mike Henderson shines on slide guitar with the Bluebloods providing exceptional back-up. Production by noted Nashville singer/songwriter Kieran Kane in collaboration with writer/gospel historian Jerry Zolten.
CD Reviews
Blues and gospel fabulous!!
Bergman Jonas | Sweden | 06/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The bass voice of Isaac Freeman, from Fairfield's Four is matched here with Mike Henderson and the Bluebloods, the most outstanding of gritty blues outfits today. This album is sheer revelation in its uncompromising attitude to creating gospel with more than a hint to country-blues and down home playing. This music would stand its ground both in church and in a playhouse and proves the deep gospel links in todays music. Mike and band provides fabulous backing with piano, stand-up bass and mostly slide guitar. The small choir provides a perfect response foil for Isaac's deep singing. All the backing musicians are totally in understanding with the gospel roots but add that extra bit of grit that makes this an outstanding performance. If this music does not want make you sing and dance, nothing will. This is perfect music to brighten up the day, even without the religous message, and I can wholeheartedly recommend this CD to anyone who likes true music by real musicians!!! In addition, you should check out Mike and the Bluebloods releases "Thicker than water" and "First blood" for the grittiest blues ever to come out of Nashville or any other place for that matter. To the Bluebloods I would just like to say: When is your next CD coming?"
Great Gospel Bass
Bergman Jonas | 01/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An awesome CD with great vocals and arrangements."
Gospel and Blues
DirkL | Sydney, NSW Australia | 09/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a wonderful recording. The band are top-notch and play a very nice style of blues. The backup singers are fantastic and Isaac is a deep well of heartfelt, warm and expressive inspirational music. I'm sure not everbody would find this appealing but for those who love the rich soulfulness and joyous exuberance of genuine gospel music (not that lame CCM stuff) this is just pure gold. I give this 5 stars because in it's own unique way, it's as close to perfect as you can get.
Some other great recordings of fine, contemporary gospel music are; "Spirit of the Century" by the Blind Boys of Alabama, "Jubilee" by the Holmes Brothers and "Father, Father" by Pops Staples. The best gospel song I have EVER heard, is "Strange Man" by Dorothy Love Coates!"
Beautiful Stars Isaac Freeman and the Bluebirds
draw328 | Youngstown, OH United States | 03/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Absolutely amazing! What a magnificant bass voice. I was truly engulfed by this CD and recommend it highly. If you like great gospel quartet music, this CD is a "must have"."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1