Fred Hammond | Life In The Word

Fred Hammond Family Entertainment Presents Life In The Word by Peggy Oliver

With three decades as one of urban praise and worship’s innovators and as a groundbreaking gospel artist, Fred Hammond has been there, done that, and so lots more in between. From his partnership with The Winans, as the main driving force of Commissioned, to his early solo work with Radical for Christ (RFC), and now balancing a plate as singer/songwriter/producer et.al, Hammond simply knows what his audience wants – to be drawn into the pure presence of God. His approach has rarely changed through the years. And that is quite alright with those who especially love to praise with an old-sound funky R&B base and love to worship with a soft soulful sensibility. Being a versatile musician in his own right, Hammond was more than capable to add Latin elements, hip-hop, smooth jazz and acoustic rock when needed.

When he put on his businessman hat, Hammond introduced other like-minded praise and worshippers that share the same honest passion for Christ. For instance, In Case You Missed It…And Then Some released on F Hammond Music in 2001 was an opportunity to step back to hear soloists from RFC such as JoAnn Rosario and the family group The Singletons; just a few gifted voices who are part of the extended Hammond family. In a similar vein to In Case You Missed It, Hammond once again steps into the background except on two tracks on Life In The Word to present another generation of worshippers.

Like the title indicates, the project is entirely dedicated to scriptural devotional songs and scriptural verses in a quieter, sometimes acoustic setting. Even though the musical tone on Life In The Word strays from Hammond’s trademark funky gospel jams in most cases, there is a still mighty spirit encompassing most of the tracks. One of the few upbeat pieces, “You Do Great Things,” jumps starts Life In The Word with Faith Anderson (Kirk Franklin, Juanita Bynum) in the lead role. Lowell Pye, who is in high demand these days, reminds me in some ways of Hammond’s colorful vocal personality. Pye’s contribution on “Walking In Victory” knocks the praiser’s socks off. Other voices to keep your ears open for are Michael Bethany (Israel & New Breed, Dawkins & Dawkins) who injects a sweet jazzy soul to “Need My Time With You” and Tilunda Larson (Kim Burrell, Donald Lawrence) whose commanding vocal presence throughout “All My Help” sends shivers down anyone’s spine. Then there is Hammond’s turn on “Dwelling Place” as his lead and background voices are strictly locked into his purpose of worship.

As a whole with the exception of the just OK title track, Life In The Word, which introduces the Fred Hammond Family Entertainment label, is a nice treat for those who want to hear solid contemporary gospel music. And no matter what side of the glass Hammond sits, urban praise and worship will continue to be guided in a positive direction.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene