Usually, when I hear that an artist is releasing an acappella project, I take one of two reactions. Either this is a welcome addition to their library (see LordSong, The Martins) or I think the artist is reaching out of their comfort zone and probably wouldn't be interested in it much. To be completely honest, I wasn't too interested in hearing an album of all acappella tunes from Brian Free & Assurance. Granted, they are one of my favorite quartets and are an amazing group, but I had never really been too impressed with their acappella arrangements, so I wasn't sure that the group really needed an album without musical accompaniment.
So, color me surprised when I heard Acappella - Brian Free & Assurance's latest release. The group again utilized the help of Ricky Free for production work on this release - and his view and ear for other genres of music really helped take this release to another level. The album kicks off with "Over the Horizon" which takes on a more pop arrangement - similar to what one would expect from acts like Glad, Acappella with shades of Take 6 as well. Brian Free also gives a highlight performance on this tune. "Won't It Be Wonderful There" takes things back into the Southern Gospel world. This version isn't too unlike the Gold City version from a few years back - but Assurance helps make it their own in some key places.
"It Is Well" also proceeds with caution as not to rock the boat too much. Things get interesting towards the back half of the tune as well. "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" has a really nice vocal arrangement with unexpected modulations and unique bass lines. Fans will probably continue to come back to that strong performance. "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is another pretty straight forward arrangement - though Jeremy Lile could stand to be brought up in the mix a bit more, but otherwise another solid tune.
Brian Free & Assurance channels Take 6 on the impressive "I Want to Tell You a Story." The always-impressive Bill Shivers gives an striking soulful performance on the tune, and the modern vocal arrangement really sets this tune apart from the rest. "Mighty Spirit" follows with another fine performance from Shivers, and the range he shows on this tune will astound listeners in a live setting. "Medley" is a note-for-note copy of Gold City's original - and with that arrangement being so strong in the first place - there's no need to complain about it's cover here. The album closes with a modified version of "Sweet Sweet Spirit" that helps separate the song from other versions.
Overall, Acappella has restored my faith in Brian Free & Assurance after being disappointed in the much processed and overtuned Worth It album. Much of the credit here goes to Ricky Free whose ear for things outside of Southern Gospel have really taken this project to the next level. One minor complaint would be the length of the recording. When the arrangements and performances are as strong as they are on Acappella - only including 9 tunes with less than 30 minutes total of actual recorded music could leave folks a bit disappointed that more wasn't included. That's only a minor complaint for what is, overall, a really really great project from Brian Free & Assurance.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 05/31/2010
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 1
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I love this album but then anything BFA does, I love! I don't normally like a cappella albums but this is an exception. Love the innovative arrangements, too.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
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