Flashback 1991: Walter “The Big Man” Butts – Get High on Jesus

Walter “The Big Man” Butts
Get High on Jesus
Elisha Music 1991

No matter what style of sacred music Chicago’s Rev. Walter “The Big Man” Butts sings, when he opens his mouth, out comes traditional gospel.

That’s because Butts’ voice has the raw force of a steamship horn, perfect for emotionally charged gospel singing. It’s also lined with a bluesy cry that has generated comparisons between Butts and James Cleveland.

Get High on Jesus includes several socially-conscious songs, including the title track. Fronting a now dated Morris Day-like electronic polyrhythm, Butts asks his sin-sick listeners on “Get High on Jesus” to turn away from drugs and turn to Jesus, because after all, He is the best high. “The Multitudes,” featuring a more standard gospel accompaniment, calls for an end to homelessness, hunger, illness and the loneliness of the forgotten elderly. “We Need Love,” a lovely composition with a simple but stirring message of universal brotherhood, is the album’s finest track. Here, Walter duets with Tyrone Butts, whose quartet-style falsetto is a fine foil to Walter’s throaty baritone.

Butts is at his best on gospel ballads such as “We Need Love” and “I’ll Be There (He’ll Be There),” where he is not held captive by a swiftly-moving tempo but can simply emote as the spirit moves.

The musicians and choir on Get High on Jesus are top notch, and it’s no surprise when you realize you are enjoying the early work of Daniel and Michael Weatherspoon. The brothers’ Spoonfed Productions is part of the success of Shekinah Glory Ministry. Daniel and Michael provide keyboard and drums for Get High on Jesus, respectively. The choir featured is Tyrone Dickerson and the Christian Fellowship Choir, which also assisted Yolanda Adams on her Through the Storm (also released in 1991, and included future gospel instrumental stars Angella Christie and Ben Tankard).

Two and a Half of Four Stars