Isaac Freeman and the Bluebloods

From the same label that brought you a glorious Hank Williams tribute, Robert Earl Keen and the latest Willie Nelson comes this proper re-release from Isaac Freeman, aka Dickie, a member of the sadly defunct Fairfield Four gospel group. His latest album, a mixed bag of spirituals and lazy, porch-derived ballads, shows off his chilling bass singing qualities; it originally was recorded for Kieran Kane and Kevin Welch’s Dead Reckoning label and features the Bluebloods backing him. Anyone enamored of the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack, which included Freeman, should enjoy these traditional gospel classics, all of them in the public domain. Freeman updates such staples as “Don’t Drive Your Children Away” and “Lord I Want to Help You” and manipulates his bass to full extent. Fans of the Canton Spirituals, Fred Hammond or even John P. Kee will find great reward here. Hallelujah.