Reviewed by Janey Lee Grace

"Soul Mission' is a truly inspirational record and there's an intriguing story behind it. Two American songwriters and musicians, Darrell Brown and David Batteau had a dream. Their dream was to re-unite the fun and earthiness of classic 60s-style soul music with the joy and inspiration of gospel. In the heat and dust of Arizona they wrote an album's worth of gospel songs and then managed to convince a whole host of legendary singers and musicians to get involved. They created the Dream Team Soul Band - 13 exceptional musicians including Booker T Jones on Hammond organ, his legendary side kick from those Stax days Steve Cropper, a 10 strong gospel choir and The Church -seven superb lead vocalists including Tata Vega and the great Mavis Staples. They rehearsed the band, the choir and The Church separately and then recorded the album live in four days at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood. "Those four days and nights were filled with singing, playing, praying and eating. It was a time of relentless struggle but incredible joy," (Darrell Brown). It's been a long time since I've heard an album where the spontaneity, faith and sheer joy of the performers shines through as it does on "Soul Mission'. The highlights for me are "He Is Amazing", sung by Tata Vega, which starts dramatically with just voice and Hammond organ and the bluesy "One Blood" (also Tata Vega duetting with Gavin Christopher). I marvelled at the staggering vocal talents of Lynn Davies on "Tear This House Down" and I defy anyone not to sing along to "Settled In Heaven" with Grady Harrell on lead vocals. It's a wonderful spirit-thrilling gospel track, tambourines et al. When Booker's Hammond fires up on "Some Sweet Day" or when Mavis Staples starts to growl it sweet and soulful I instantly wanted to be in church, shouting "I have seen the light!" and somersaulting down the aisle towards the altar. Darrell and David have surely achieved their dream. They've got a tank full of gas, they're wearing shades and they're on a 'soul mission' from God. Buy this album and do your soul a power of good.

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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