Flashback: I Can Feel the Fire – Rev. Walter Butts & the W.J.B. Singers (Elisha Records 1994)

Flashback:
Rev. Walter Butts & the W.J.B. Singers
I Can Feel the Fire
Elisha Records 1994

Rev. Walter Butts, founder and pastor of Chicago’s Mount Carmel Children of God Baptist Church and the self-proclaimed “Big Man of Gospel Music,” has a throaty, tear-stained baritone voice that sounds uncannily like the late Rev. James Cleveland. King James said so himself when he first heard the young man sing.

Rev. Butts, who was a featured soloist on the 1996 CGI recording of the National Baptist Convention Mass Choir (Let’s Go to Church), has produced a number of full-scale projects over the years, but I Can Feel the Fire stands out as his best work. He is at his finest on traditional and traditional-style songs such as the opening workout and title track, and on a poignant reading of Dorsey’s “Precious Lord.” Rev. Butts’ medley of classic Rev. Cleveland numbers hammers home the vocal similarities, especially on “Lord Do It.” The W.J.B. Singers offer solid support throughout.

Three of Four Stars