Customer Reviews

Say Yes

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

When the Arhoolie Records label released the first "Sacred Steel" collection in 1997, they uncovered one of the few last untapped sources of regional music in America, an enclave of Southern churches built around an exhuberant musical style where the congregants sang ecstatically while a steel guitar wildly improvised, driving them all to greater heights. The album was a big success for Arhoolie and had since spawned several follow-up albums.

This latest entry in the "Sacred Steel" series features a six-piece family band from Florida pursuing the romping, stomping, exhuberant, ecstatic frenzy of the style. If you like the original "SACRED STEEL" collection, you'll definitely dig this disc as well.

Bottom line: These guys ROCK! And Say Yes! should be another fantastic addition to anyone's growing collection of Sacred Steel music. I was introduced to Sacred Steel with a chance listening of The Word a few years back (still one of my faves) and now have 7 or 8 Sacred Steel records and they never fail to disappoint - Say Yes! included. If you're like me, you'd buy this one for the stellar steel guitar work found on all Sacred Steel recordings - but then you'd stay for the complex rhythms (pay attention to the bass playing alone!) that chug with the intensity of a freight train on an out-of-control downhill run.

While the Lee Boys could be technically classified as 'gospel', they (mostly) convey their univeral spiritual message through music rather than words so it appeals to everyone, leaving the spiritual interpretation up to listeners like me. And I find that the sheer life-giving, life-affirming, positive energetic frenzied power of the Lee Boys (and the emotional depth of the more contemplative Amazing Grace - a Sacred Steel standard) makes this record worth having. And while one might also call this Christian Rock, I certainly view it as much more rock than Christian. As a lifelong fan of the Southern Rock of the Allman Brothers, Skynyrd, and now Derek Trucks, North Mississippi All-Stars and the Drive-by Truckers, this music slides comfortably right onto the Southern Rock train - so it's not surprising that the Lee Boys have performed on tour with all of the above. In fact, anyone nurtured on a seemingly long-faded, blues-rock tradition will find the music of the Lee Boys like a refreshing drink from a newly re-flowing well.

On the downside, 'Say Yes' doesn't add a lot to the overall Sacred Steel repertoire; several tracks are well-known 'standards' to those who have a growing collection of Sacred Steel records. One curious addition here is Happy and You Know It, that while cetainly not your kindergartner's version, nonetheless seems more curious to me than original. Also, the vocals on this one are a bit weaker than, for example, recordings by the Campbell Brothers, but I doubt if many folks pick up Sacred Steel recordings for the vocals anyway and the playing here does not disappoint. Overall, this record is an essential for all Sacred Steel fans and anyone who loves good time, feel good, upbeat, rock-n-roll played - you might say - solidly 'in the key of life'. Rock on Lee Boys and Rock on Sacred Steel!

These boys bring down the house. I saw them live in Seattle, and believe me their album does them justice. This genre of music is much like the Campbell brothers and Robbert Randolph. You won't be disappointed.

I'm not religous in any way but I love good music. This is great music...so great that you are listening to very secular gospel... but would never know it.

The Lee Boys play a very muscular version of funk mixed with virtuoso pedal steel guitar, very aggressive slap bass and...conventionbal gospel lyrics. That pedal steel is quite distinguishable from what may come out of Nashville or counry rock since this is "sacred steel". The pedal steel is played through a wah pedal and featured up front. The phrasing is more indicative of Hendrix, Allman Brothers or Led Zeppelin as opposed to the myriad of county bands.

It's very up beat and danceable music. You like to dance...perfect. You're a fan of guitar acrobatics...it's there (similar to brethen Robert Randolph. Want to funk around? The bass is popping as much is you want it.

Highlights include "Walk with me Lord" and "Come and Help me lift him Up".

This band plays live everywhere and anywhere. Their at all the jam band and blues festivals. They are a fun and vivacious live band...their a nice group of guys as well.