Comments on: CD Review: “It’s So God” (Brian Free and Assurance)

By: www.southerngospelblog.com » DVD review: “NQC 2006″ (Various Artists)

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 23:58:38 +0000

[...] The main part of the DVD starts with Brian Free and Assurance performing “The Coming of the King,” a single from their most recent project, It’s So God. The song definitely goes over well live, but perhaps the main long-term value of the performance is that since Ricky Free has announced his imminent departure from the group, this could well be his final video appearance with the group. [...]

By: Ron Fleshman

Ron Fleshman — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 06:04:15 +0000

I’ll go one step farther. Shivers is one of the underrated leads in sgm. Keith Plott is maybe the most underated bass in sgm. I’ll catch a lot of grief for this, even the baritone is very good, but my problem with this group is Brian Free himself. His thin tenor sound always has turned me off somewhat (matter of preference, i guess.

I bought this album because of DBM’s review and I haven’t been disappointed. My favorite, though, is “Man of Sorrow,” but the definitive version used to be up on Anthony Facello’s MySpace page backed by an unknown group (maybe a Mercy’s Mark bootleg?)

By: Keith Waggoner

Keith Waggoner — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 07:39:03 +0000

Brian Free and Assurance have established themselves as one of the top-tier groups in the business with their last few releases. However, I have to say that “It’s So God” is my favorite. While I love the traditional SG arrangements that they’ve been known for, I’m also glad to see them spreading their wings stylistically. Great album.

And, please, would somebody give Bill Shivers his dues. He is one of the most underrated singers in SG. Easily in the top 5.

By: Diana

Diana — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 16:28:29 +0000

I have several of BF&A’s projects and this one rates as one of my favorites. I agree with you about “It’s All About the Blood”, but I really like Under Cross Examination, too. I think this is a very confident and competent group and they are not intimidated by trying new styles. I really have enjoyed the mixture on this CD.