TBGB Reviews…Fairest Hill

Unfinished Business
Fairest Hill
Vision Productions 2007
www.fairesthill.net

Son of legendary Detroit gospel vocalist Tessie Hill and original member of the Followers of Christ quartet, Dr. Fairest Hill is now a motivational speaker and gospel singer. On his new project, Unfinished Business, Hill shines the spotlight on these two passions as a mighty band of musicians cranks out the jams behind him.

The disc has a positive spin to it (pun intended), as Hill sings encouraging, uplifting messages between the beats. The best example is “Daddy Talk,” a rhythm-laced litany of phrases, one-liners, and couplets on how to live a happier and more fulfilling life.

The musicians gathered for the album are nothing short of outstanding, particularly in their ability to switch genres and moods. Two stand-out tracks on Unfinished Business are “Turn Up the Praise,” on which pulsing bass lines by Bernard Harris and contrapuntal percussion borrow liberally from Sly Stone and Prince; and “Remember What Your Mama Said,” which is a slow groove rendered by Hill in a wistful, lonesome falsetto reminiscent of Maxwell and (again) the Princely one. If my research is correct, “Remember What Your Mama Said,” a Ben Tankard-produced tune that remains in your mind long after the disc is over, may have been released by Hill before.

The gospel ballads “Something Better than Me” and “More Than Before” are formulaic and not nearly as interesting as the pulse-racing, hip hop and soul inspired tracks that make up the majority of the disc. Be sure to listen to the brief “Studio Talk,” during which Hill reminiscences with friends about his musical roots.

Unfinished Business motivates the mind to change, the body to move, and the spirit to be reborn.

Three of Four Stars