Shirley Caesar (I Know The Truth) - Reviews

Shirley Caesar
I Know The Truth

After decades with Word Records, the First Lady of Gospel, Shirley Caesar, embarks on yet another new road, launching her own Shu-Bel Records, in partnership with Artemis Gospel.

As if to celebrate the new direction, the living legend slams the ear with the opener and title cut, "I Know The Truth (Lies)", pairing with Tonéx in a 'hip hop meets traditional extravaganza'. Some may call it an unlikely duo, but if you consider Caesar's musical endeavours over the years (boldly inviting herself into The Caravans in the 1960s, emerging with a soul-laden disco vibe in the early 1970s, teaming up with Al Green in the later 70s, racking up Grammys in her traditional-veined albums ever since...), you must acknowledge that she has always boldly trekked where no one has gone before.

Back to the title cut, it's a riotous urban romp that celebrates spiritual victory in Jesus, with Tonéx rapping over Caesar's traditional vocals, with liberal doses of samples and loops of Caesar's vocals tossed in. Near the end, Caesar and Tonéx join together (!!) in rap flow.

Veteran producer Sanchez Harley returns full circle, taking production responsibilities for Caesar for the first time since his entry into the industry (when he produced Caesar's hit album, Sailin' in 1983). His work on this album (together with Caesar and Ay'Ron Lewis co-producing) results in some of the best work from Caesar in years.

I Know The Truth

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On "Jailbird", perhaps the album's sleeper hit, Caesar joins with Rev. Dallas Lockett on a poignant number that asks if a 'jailbird' can praise God on his way to his execution, then why can't those of us not in such dire straits (but perhaps metaphorically rescued from a similar spiritual quandary) give up praise to God right now? A Southern country guitar twang combined with some infectious choir harmonies on the chorus drive this one into hit land.

Things get funky in a traditional way on "Touch, Heal and Deliver", penned by Caesar's longtime musical director, Michael Mathis. Caesar's own composition, "The Debt I Owe" rides along in a like manner, powered by Simeon Baker' strong bass work.

Caesar turns to the songwriting skills of Kirk Franklin on the fast-paced and melodic "Give Me a Song", featuring Russell White. The lyrics say "Lord give us a song so we can honor you and worship you" as Caesar and White trade lead vocals over the vocal ensemble's solid anchor on the chorus.

Other hits on this ground-breaking album are "I've Been Redeemed" with Bishop George Bloomer guesting, and songwriter Percy Gray Jr.'s traditional minded "Everything Is Going to Be Alright".

Shirley Caesar has been on the scene since before life began for most of us, and with albums like I Know The Truth, she'll be here for a long time to come.

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Producer: Sanchez Harley album release date: September 6, 2005
Shu-Bel Records / Artemis Gospel

— reviewed by Stan North —