Album Review – Sarah Brown Sings Mahalia Jackson
After reviewing her first single ‘On My Way’ and publishing an interview on Sarahs’ thoughts behind the album I was looking forward to the opportunity to review the new album. Not knowing what to expect but the track listing is also integral to the emotion in this record. So much so that you don’t have to be a fan of this genre of music to be blown away and really appreciate it. In the finished article it is clear to see that there is no luck involved here. The musical production is another level and the overwhelming feel that I get from this album is just hope infused in many different styles – but none the less the message is clear.
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Nobody Knows
The album starts on a sombre note setting out the gospel style which is prevalent throughout the whole album. This song especially shows just how melodic Sarahs’ voice is. It has reminiscents of Frank Sinatras’ ‘Two Shots of Happy One Shot of Sad’ then all of a sudden the song seems to burst through the clouds and the song takes more of an upbeat direction and sets the whole feel of the album. A mix of sadness and profoundness but also hope!
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I’m On My Way
Right from the opening few bars, you can almost anticipate what’s coming! That is a priceless thing, as this song is about to embark you on a journey. A Latino, rumba, groove style automatically fills the room.
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Didn’t it Rain
Heavily jazz infused with a very upbeat walking baseline. Classic upbeat R&B. One of my personal favourites. You can really hear Sarahs’ song writing skills with stops and starts to die for. The melody driven by the piano is divine
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Summertime
A very edgy, blues, smoky, dive bar feel. A speakeasy vibe comes through the whole track. You can just see a dimly lit room with a guy smoking a cigar order ‘something’ on the rocks. Fills the room with a wonderful melancholy atmosphere.
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Walk Over God’s Heaven
Yet again another quality tune which catches you off guard. It is noticeable by now that Sarah has an excellent connection with a double bass and this song in particular shows off the level of musicianship on this album.
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Just a Closer Walk
Right from the offset this song has a very religious feel to it. Almost a ballad but even as she sings profound statements the song still feels very uplifting and powerful.
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Trouble of the World
The feel of this song is very inapt with the title. You can feel that acceptance of emotion not in a morbid way but more in a thought-provoking way. Sounds fantastic loud.
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Joshua
A clever upbeat tune – this yet again is another great example of how the band perform so well together with Sarah. Everyone here is on the same hymn sheet.
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Amazing Grace
A beautiful rendition of the classic Amazing Grace. The song is very soulful and for a song that is over 350 years old Sarah has managed to bring it up to date whilst still capturing the emotional essence behind the song. Sarah has put her on mark on this timeless classic – a truly beautiful song.
The album is an amazing selection of songs. Each one with its own individual strengths. One common theme that is noticeable through the album is to expect the unexpected. When I first reviewed the debut single ‘On My Way’ it was clear to see from the start that there is a lot of light a shade in this record, profound sadness and joy and after listening to it several times it is very thought provoking but Sarah has this amazing gift where she can take songs that sound many years old and make them sound fresh and modern without losing any of the emotion and essence. To summarise the album is an excellent collection of songs that I think will result in opening a door for Sarah that she wasn’t expecting. It has been a very long time since I have reviewed an album that I have gone back to and listened to time and time again just down to the pure quality of the music. Long may it continue.
Jamie Sinclair
SARAH BROWN SINGS MAHALIA JACKSON OUT 20th MAY ON LIVE RECORDS. AVAILABLE ON CD & LP AND FROM ALL DIGITAL & STREAMING PLATFORMS
For more information please visit: www.sarahbrownofficial.com
Photo Credit: Andrew Cotterill
