Brian Free & The Assurance in New York City

Music Review:
BRIAN FREE & ASSURANCE….LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY

Douglasville, Georgia to New York City seems a world away. From weather to traffic to daily life, the two places are nothing alike. The thoughts of a southern gospel quartet in the middle of the city putting on a concert and recording a live album seem far-fetched. The quartet doesn’t know what to expect and neither does the church. However, both crowds love the Lord and enjoy good Gospel singing.

When Brian Free & Assurance along with Daywind Records decided to merge the popular quartet with the city and a multi-ethnic choir, there was excitement on all sides. Christ Tabernacle in the Queens Borough of New York City would be the venue for the Live CD and video. Wayne Haun was set to produce the album and the members of Brian Free & Assurance were filled with joy about the new venture.

Songs were selected and tracks were recorded. Brian, Derrick, Bill and Keith spent several days in Nashville, Tennessee rehearsing for the big day. The usual choir practices were turned into learning the songs and the style of Southern Gospel music.

When the quartet took the stage, the track kicked off and the choir began to sing. At that moment everyone in the building knew is was going to be a night to remember.

Saturday, July 24th marked the day. The 140 voice choir arrived early to practice…the camera crew spent hours setting up for just the right angles…the stagehands made sure everything was in place and the crowd began to line up around the building in anticipation of the night. Brian Free & Assurance arrived that afternoon for their run- through with the choir.

When the quartet took the stage, the track kicked off and the choir began to sing. At that moment everyone in the building knew is was going to be a night to remember. Brian commented that he couldn’t sing for wanting to stop and listen to the choir sing. Music director Steven Carey and the Christ Tabernacle Choir blended perfectly with the four part harmonies of BFA and suddenly, the two worlds of Douglasville, GA and New York City didn’t seem so far away.

The crew took a break for dinner, while the crowd poured into the sanctuary. The seats were immediately filled and soon it would be time to begin. The choir took their places in matching black and teal outfits, while Brian, Bill, Derrick, Keith, Ricky and Scott made their way to the stage. The night started off with the a cappella classic, “Goodness and Mercy.” Not sure what they had just experienced….the song ended with a roaring response from the audience.

Brian Free & Assurance Live in New York City contains great southern gospel songs, huge ballads like “Healed,” toe tapping tunes such as “We’ll Say Goodbye,” a stirring new cut of the classic “For God So Loved” and the first single “Long As I Got King Jesus.” When the choir and Brian Free & Assurance performed this last number, the congregation stood to their feet and demanded more. So, the group “sang it again.”

For that night, two very different worlds came together for a night to truly remember.

After the concert Saturday night, the quartet along with members from Daywind Records and the Harper Agency decided to head to Times Square for a late dinner. Most of the members of Brian Free & Assurance had never been to the city, so as any tourist would do…they took out their video camera and started to record the way into the city.

Little did they know that it is illegal to film the entrances into the city since 9/11. The van was pulled over after passing through a tollbooth filming and the guys were asked to erase the video. After a few scary moments and then some laughs…the crew hit the city for dinner.

Sunday was set for the photo shoot and several locations around town had been selected. All the guys, photographer Dean Dixon, Crystal Burchette and Susan Puckett from Daywind Records and Ed Harper of the Harper Agency spent the day taking pictures for the album.

The cover shot and the individual shots were taken on top of the Brooklyn Bridge. The famous bridge contains a foot path above where the cars drive for runners, bicyclist and of course…photo shoots.

Brian Free & Assurance loaded their 51-foot long bus and headed back to Douglasville, GA.

The city of New York and the members of Christ Tabernacle were so accommodating. Brian Free & Assurance came away with a project and memories that will last the test of time and proof that when you sing about Jesus, Christians unite and have a grand ole time.

For more information on Brian Free & Assurance and Brian Free & Assurance Live in New York City, visit www.daywindrecords.com or www.brianfreeandassurance.com. Fans can also call 800-635-9581.