Producer: Jimmy Fortune/Dave Fowler/Nick Bruno/Robbie Hiner
Label: Song Garden Music Group
Website: www.jimmyfortune.com
Jimmy Fortune is a name that has been around for a long time. Jimmy made his mark in Country Music as tenor singer for the famous Statler Brothers. The Statler Brothers retired a few years ago, and Jimmy has been forging on as a soloist and has now released his very first Southern Gospel recording. With his strong Country Music background, Jimmy has put together a recording of grand proportions and one that a lot of people will really enjoy.
The recording starts out the upbeat country sounds of “TAKE ME THERE” , which was recently recorded by the Louisiana based group Testify , and Jimmy does a great job on the song before moving on to a beautiful ballad entitled, “BE WITH ME”.
The pace really picks up for the Fortune penned barnburner called, “HE'S GETTIN' ME READY”. Originally recorded by the Statler Brothers before they retired, it didn't sound anything like this. Great radio song too! Jimmy also penned the title song, “I BELIEVE” and does a tremendous job before moving on to the old hymn, “AMAZING GRACE”. We've heard this hymn a thousand times, but I'll bet you've never heard it quite like this in Southern Gospel circles. Done up in a Rhythm & Blues style that would even make BB King proud, Jimmy ‘shows out' before slowing things down for the thought provoking, “I WROTE IT IN RED”. This song will become a favorite of many, as the song reminds us that even in our worst of times, God loves us and He loves us so much, that He wrote it in red with the blood of His son.
I absolutely love the steel guitar intro to the Gaither classic “HE TOUCHED ME”, and Jimmy performs it flawlessly before moving on to a song recently recorded by Lauren Talley and written by Rebecca Peck entitled, “THAT'S WHAT I CALL LOVE”. This country tinged upbeat song fits Jimmy like a glove.
Slowing things down, Jimmy sings the all but forgotten John W. Peterson classic, “OVER THE SUNSET MOUNTAINS” done with an acoustical arrangement before moving on an acapella performance of “THE LORD'S PRAYER” , which to be honest, is the only song on this recording that just doesn't work for me.
I know I've heard “I'LL FLY AWAY” until I am about sick, but I absolutely love Jimmy's version and find myself listening to it over and over again. The final note Jimmy hits on the song is one that some tenors only dream of hitting.
Ending on a solemn note, with just Jimmy and the piano, he sings, “HOW GREAT THOU ART” and this version has probably become one of my all time favorites of this great song.
This recording was a labor of love for Jimmy that you can read about elsewhere on SoGospelNews , and I believe that passion shines through each and every song. This recording is a marvelous piece of work and Jimmy never sounded any better than he does belting out these great gospel songs.
Personal Favs: TAKE ME THERE; HE'S GETTIN' ME READY; I WROTE IT IN RED; HE TOUCHED ME; THAT'S WHAT I CALL LOVE; I'LL FLY AWAY; HOW GREAT THOU ART
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 05/31/2005
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Category: ReviewsCD Reviews
Comments: 20
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thank you james for a wonderful review. this cd is certainly an impressive labor of love.
Great review. Truly an amazing cd by a highly talented musician. Way to go Jimmy.
Thanks, James Hale for a great review of Jimmy Fortune's new CD, "I Believe."
Adding to our above comments, another must hear song on this CD and also written by Mr. Tony Brower is "Be With Me."
If you were a fan of the Statlers, you'll absolutely love how Jimmy has been moving onto to greater things. This CD is just the beginning of Jimmy's solo career. You can tell from Mr. Hales'review that he listened to each and every song. It was great to hear Mr. Hales' comments as we (the Fortunetellers) in Jimmy's fan club are just "slightly" prejudiced and we give Jimmy's 5 stars. But 4 1/2 stars from Mr. Hales is great!!
This is truly a labor of love. If you ever get the chance to see Jimmy perform, you will see that.
Jimmy's cd is wonderful. He really put his heart and soul into this. This is a very inspiring cd.
Jimmy Fortune caught my ears and won my heart years ago. Now, with his solo career blossoming, he continues to amaze me with his vocal abilities and the true emotion he brings to every song he sings. "I Believe" is a touching, beautiful CD that presents Jimmy's awesome voice with the perfect mixture of faith and tenderness.
This CD is a true testimony of Jimmy Fortune's faith and love in God. God has blessed Jimmy with the sweetest tenor voice this side of Heaven and thankfully, he shares that gift with us. This CD is a blend of gospel standards and new inspirational songs that keeps the listener yearning for wanting more.
Thank you, Mr. Hales, for your great review of Jimmy Fortun's CD, I Believe, and thank you, Jimmy, for giving the world your best in this beautifll CD of hymns and songs of worship for our saviour, Jesus Christ. You are a true inspiration to your many, many fans for the way you live your life as well as well as your remarkable talent.
Great review Jimmy, Thank you James for a great review.
Thank You Mr. James Hale for the great review of Jimmy's CD! A must have for anyone and everyone's collection!! Jimmy is one of the GREATEST tenors on the planet!! His voice is a masterpiece!!! God Bless!
Thank you for publishing this wonderful review of Jimmy Fortune's CD, I Believe. Amazing Grace and Wrote It In Red are two of the most moving pieces I have ever heard. God bless you and thank you again for your support of Jimmy.
This is a wonderful review of a wonderful CD from a wonderful singer. My only difference of opinion regards "The Lord's Prayer" done a capella which is tremendous and maybe my favorite. There isn't a song on the CD that doesn't touch my heart.
Buy this one now! This is one tremendous body of work that showcases an unbelievable range of voice and style. Jimmy soars, and when he does he takes us all with him near to the heart of God. "The Lord's Prayer" is heart-rending and compelling, and I sorely disagree with the comments in the review on this selection. The entire cd is one to treasure. It is most definitely a FIVE STAR!
Thank you Mr. Hale for your review. I am VERY proud of Jimmys new c.d., as I am one of the writers for it. God gave me the song "I Wrote it in Red" when I found out I had cancer for the third time, and had just gone through a divorce. Jimmys voice and spirit tells the story perfectly, and continues to do so through the rest of the albumn. I am just honored to be a small part of this wonderful project. Thanks again....tony brower
Thank you for the wonderful review Mr Hales! I saw Jimmy in concert almost a year ago and his obvious faith in God is conveyed through his music. Jimmy has rekindled my lagging faith. He is surely doing God's work. God bless!
I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy Fortune in Nashville at the US Army's 230th birthday celebration, along with his lovely wife.
I think you are one of the best singers in the world. I did not think the Stattlers would be the same, but boy did you show me. May God continue to bless you as you contiue on with your ministry for him in song. Keep up the good work. Zoe Crawford
Jimmy,
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