2nd Annual Sacred Steel Convention
The performances on this 14-track live disc are a scalding reminder of just how truly inspired inspirational music can be. One line of "Brother" Sam Baldwin's searing falsetto vocal on theCampbell Brothers' "Where Could I Go but to the Lord?" or the relaxed, lovely melody that opensRobert Randolph's graceful arrangement of the blues hymn "You've Got to Move," and the spirit-fueled heart of this sound is revealed. In March 2001 the greatest players of this Pentecostal-church-based steel-guitar-driven style and members of their congregations gathered in Sanford, Florida, for a weekend of music and worship. On all these cuts, the steel's voicelike quality proves perfect for making a joyful noise unto the Lord. Elton Noble becomes two preachers in one, his lap steel adding its hallelujahs to his testifying. And Lisa Lang puts a wah-wah on her instrument to make it sing back to vocalist Otis Thanes's deep, classic gospel baritone. The tunes range from stately promenades like Reggie "Footie" Covington's "Footie's Medley" to rip-and-zing string sliders like Calvin Cooke's "I'll Just Wave My Hand" and the exuberant Lonnie "Big Ben" Bennett's "What He's Done for Me," which is full of teasing, purring lines and powered by clapping hands and stamping feet. The Campbells, who also turn in a delightful "Amazing Grace"--slow and sweet as molasses with its country chord voicings--and Randolph, the genre's first crossover star via his recordings with the Word and his own Family Band, breathe the most fire into their performances. But every track on this disc captures the beauty and excitement of this music, as well as the thrill of a hall full of believers moved in their faith by music.--Ted Drozdowski