Robert Jamison and Victory – Speak Myself Free

Robert Jamison and Victory
Speak Myself Free
RJM Publishing, LLC (2011)
www.robertjamisonandvictory.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Robert Jamison was inspired to establish the gospel ensemble Robert Jamison and Victory in 2009 after the death of his mother, Mrs. Annetta Ballew Haygood. She loved traditional gospel music and even accompanied Rev. James Cleveland back in the day. Her affection for traditional gospel fostered Jamison’s own, and Victory articulates his commitment to the old-time contemporary sound of the Hawkins Family. It’s a big-voiced, raw, youthful choir from Louisville, Kentucky, the kind you hear emanating over Sunday radio broadcasts from little churches in urban areas.

On its debut four-track EP, Speak Myself Free, Robert Jamison and Victory gives it their all, but in the final analysis, the sound is that of an amateur choir learning its craft. The choir cascades harmonies and changes keys on “Can’t Find a Friend,” and lead singer Tonya Thomas opens “I Can Not Make It” with strength and vigor, but the CD catches the group during its development years.

The musicians, especially lead guitarist Mark “Lupe” Hamilton, provide the choir with decent support.

Speak Myself Free is nothing if not authentic, and the choir was smart to start with an EP to get that all-important recording experience in anticipation of bigger things ahead.

Two of Five Stars

Pick: “I Can Not Make It.”