STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 144247-21085 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: Digital Only Album
Reviewed by James Yelland
This eponymous collection from ex-pro baseballer Brady Toops is a debut release but you could never tell with a distinctive sound and technique, delivered with real confidence. Fusing elements of folk, rock 'n' roll, spirituals and gospel music, Brady's 11 tracks here are intended to "close the gap between the spiritual and secular". Largely, he is successful in his aim. With a vintage yet contemporary sound, this album feels awash with the sound of his Nashville base. With his rich, granite-chiselled voice and clearly strongly influenced by the legendary Johnny Cash, these tracks make for a deep, rewarding and satisfying listen. Produced expertly by David Leonard (of All Sons & Daughters), there are at least eight or nine excellent tracks here, reminiscent of another top quality release from this year, Samuel Lane's 'The Fire'. Particular highlights have to be the contemporised versions of the spiritual classics, "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Soon And Very Soon". A fine album.
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