Description
Celebrate Freedom is a vocal album by the American singer, songwriter, and trumpeter Phil Driscoll, released on Sparrow Records in 1984. The album was produced and arranged by Phil Driscoll and Lari Goss.
‘Celebrate Freedom’ starts out with a bang, synthesized guns blasting, and the smoke doesn’t clear until the beginning of side two. The three opening standards – «The Star Spangled Banner», «America the Beautiful», and «Battle Hymn of the Republic» – inspire patriotism and excite goosebumps.
Phil Driscoll has certainly mastered the art of soulful trumpet playing. If «The Star Spangled Banner» with its digital-delay trumpet doesn’t move you, check your pulse. You may not be moving at all. And the contrast of the smooth, effortless trumpet with Driscoll’s Ray Charles/Joe Cocker voice on «America the Beautiful» is no less moving.
Actually, this album is a study in contrasts. The freedom that comes with being an American is compared with the freedom of being a Christian. Driscoll’s distinctive solo voice and trumpet strength is layered upon a massive background choir and supported by the London National Philharmonic Orchestra Limited.
However, the life and excitement of Driscoll performances can sometimes be covered up by bulky and wearisome vocal arrangements. The power of the first songs also contrasts with Driscoll’s smooth rendition of «God of Our Fathers», where he sounds impeccably like Tony Bennett.
But one can only write so many songs about patriotism before coming repetitious. Side two confirms that. The first cut opens with a strong backbeat, promising a needed change of pace. Unfortunately, like the album itself, the song trails off about half way through. With the exception of «America», side two illustrates that even the best performer can’t do much with poorly written material. Awkward and redundant lyrics are the primary offenders.
Driscoll’s generation was raised in a time when it wasn’t “cool” to be patriotic. But now he’s picked up his trumpet and is leading the celebration of freedom and he’s hot. [Paul Thorson, CCM, September 1984]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/celebrate-freedom/1701612879)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “The Star Spangled Banner” – 2:29
A2. “America The Beautiful” – 4:07
A3. “Battle Hymn Of The Republic” – 6:36
A4. “Statue Of Liberty” – 6:22
A5. “God Of Our Fathers” – 5:00
Side Two
B1. “I Love America” – 3:10
B2. “We Are His People” – 6:02
B3. “Land Of The Free” – 4:00
B4. “America” – 4:04
B5. “E Pluribus Unum” – 7:11
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Sparrow Records. Later re-issued on CD.
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