Tim DillingerThe Baton: 1985
Suxxess Records (2013)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
Tim Dillinger blends his affection for, and knowledge of, traditional gospel with a commitment to gritty urban inspirational music on The Baton: 1985. The result is a mélange of hip hop swagger, rock, electronica, audio samples, and praise lyrics.
In the opening audio clip, recorded in 1985, Amy Grant explains, “I’ve got to give these kids something that they can relate to…if I can extend friendship and then say, ‘Let me tell you the greatest thing I’ve got to tell you,’ I’ve got a purpose.…” Therein lies the pied piper premise, and purpose, of The Baton: 1985: engage youth with the music they can relate to, and then serve them the message.
Though rooted in today’s sound, many of Dillinger’s selections are dedicated to gospel legends, from the Rasberry Singers, Dorothy Norwood, and “Baby Sis” Ruth Davis to Cissy Houston and Rev. Isaac Douglas. The title track is in memory of Albertina Walker. Paeans to old school gospel also show up in samples of “Wade in the Water” and a Holiness service.
Nestled among the shake, rattle, and hum is “One,”an absolute gem of a song about He who surpasses all. Co-written by Dillinger, Reba-Rambo McGuire (Dottie Rambo’s daughter), and Dony McGuire, “One” features Dillinger and Reba Rambo-McGuire performing a sumptuous duet amid a silky backdrop of soft strings. It is a keeper—among the best songs TBGB has heard this year, in any music category.
Throughout the album, Dillinger shifts effortlessly from a gruff blue-eyed soulfulness to flights of falsetto while guest artists, such as B. Slade and Steffin Pfifer, add rap touches to “Say Thank You” and “(Go Back to the) Old Time Way,” respectively.
From the funky “More Like Jesus” to the Swiss watch-like rhythmic precision of “Rain,” The Baton: 1985 addresses important issues with sonic playfulness.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “One,” “The Baton.”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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