Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Formed back in 1921, Nashville-based gospel vocal group the Fairfield Four have gone through many personnel changes over the years to allow them to remain active to this very day and the current line-up continues the Four's trademark a cappella sound to good effect with this collection of old gospel standards. Whilst there are no real surprises in terms of song choices, old familiars such as "Rock My Soul", "Jesus Gave Me Water" and "Come On In This House" are presented in rollicking fashion to reflect the general upbeat and high energy feel of this release with the group's precision harmonies and handclap-only accompaniment giving each song that Fairfield Four feel. To add a touch of variety to proceedings, country music superstar Lee Ann Womack joins the group on the traditional "Children Go Where I Send Thee" whilst bass man Joe Thompson takes the lead vocal on "Baptism Of Jesus" to great effect. The droning "I Love The Lord (He Heard My Cry)" refers back to the eerie abstract sound of the previous incarnation of the group that found fame and Grammy success on the 'O Brother Where Art Thou' soundtrack whilst a new version of the Four's signature song "Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around" delves even further back.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.