Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Freddie Lee Peterkin has had a tough life. Raised in Florida in a poor farm-labouring family and struggling with all kinds of problems and obstacles, Freddie Lee managed to rise above them with the help of his faith and his music. His grandmother, a church choir director, helped him on his way and he eventually went through college and then formed a group, ACES, with whom he toured Europe working mainly in the tribute artist niche. This debut solo album, produced in Britain by Tony Bean and Colin Bassett, showcases both his voice and his songwriting skills. The songs certainly bear the stamp of his early difficulties, but both the vocal arrangements (by Lee himself) and the glossy old school soul arrangements (by Bean) glow with a faith and an optimism that really shine out. From the opening "Brighter Days" through the soulful "Waiting For Me" to the closing "Worthy To Be Praised", there is no doubting either Freddie's commitment or talent. And there's some great support from an ensemble of guitar, brass and keyboards, as well as a powerful bunch of backing singers including the that underrated diva Tracey Riggan. If you've a taste for old school soul crooners but want them singing songs of faith rather than "lurve", this set is for you.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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