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Album reviews Music

THE FAIRFIELD FOUR

Rating: NNNNN


THE FAIRFIELD FOUR The Bells Are Tolling (Ace) Rating: NNNNN
Back in 1960, premier Nashville gospel quartet the Fairfield Four — led by hard-shouting Rev. Sam McCrary — cut an album for influential WLAC DJ Bill “Hoss” Allen that briefly appeared on Old Town in 62, then quickly vanished. So few collectors have seen The Bells Are Tolling LP that for years there’s been doubt about its existence. England’s Ace label has cleared up the mystery with this fabulous reissue boasting brilliant fidelity and excellent liner notes by Opal Nations.

Propelled by the deep rhythmic thrust of bass belter Joe “Snap Your Fingers” Henderson and the upfront firepower of Clarence Mills and McCrary, this earlier incarnation of the Fairfield Four (prior to James Hill and Dickie Freeman’s return) packs an awesome vocal wallop. Whether you’re a believer or not, the stunning roller-coaster swoops of Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around will have you holding on for dear life. That’s some singing.*

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