Patrick Dopson

Recap: Fred Hammond Recording
April, 2006
People were pulling into the parking lot blasting their favorite Fred Hammond albums. There were many waiting —in much anticipation— outside The Potter's House in Dallas, up to two hours before the start of the concert. And once everyone was allowed into the church, it quickly filled to capacity.

Fred Hammond was set record the live portion of his upcoming project, Free to Worship.

Patrick Dopson opened, and let the gathered throngs into the throne room with original praise and worship songs. Watch out for this cat. People call him the "white Fred Hammond" —not as a diss, but as a compliment.

Israel Houghton came out to emcee and was promptly interrupted by Brown (a.k.a. David Mann), wearing an outfit that only Brown could pull off. So the night had already gotten more exciting and even hilarious. It was only fitting that Brown introduced Tamela Mann, who came out to deliver sheer power and passion. She sang the upbeat "Alright" and the churchy hit "Speak Lord". Sing Tam!

F. Hammond Music’s The Singletons came out next, with their semi-traditional ballad, "Worthy to Be Praised". Amidst some technical problems, the harmonies of this tight family still shined through. They ended their set with lead single and title cut from their latest project, "Better Than That".

Joann Rosario was next, coming out of the block with her jam, "Thanks Be Unto God". She graced the stage letting everyone know of her extreme gratitude to God. She then ministered with "I Hear You Say".

Well, the night got even better when Israel and New Breed hit the stage. The saints went crazy and for good reason. Iz and New Breed rocked the house even though they sang to tracks, bringing “Again I Say Rejoice" before moving to an acoustic version of the praise chorus, "Here I Am To Worship". They ended their set with their smash, "Friend of God".

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Martha Munizzi then entered and jammed with "Glorious" and "Til’ The Walls Come Down". Ruben Studdard came out to sing "I Need An Angel" and "Flying Without Wings", prefacing his songs by stating that he had never before sang at a church so big.

But the night, of course, belonged to that new resident of the big state, Fred Hammond. A strong bass sound resounded throughout the building as the band and 15 singers walked to their respective places. Band personnel included Bobby Sparks and Stephen Lewis on keys, Todd Parsow on guitars and Calvin Rogers on drums. Backing up vocally were Adrian "Agee" Smith, PamKenyon Donald, Candy West and Davey Hammond.

The groove and then the vocals started a very funky version of "Praise Belongs to You".

Then Fred entered, and the place went wild.

With cameras and tape rolling, Hammond went right into a new praise song, "Now We Come To Celebrate", and encouraged the youth (and all those who considered themselves young) to come to the front of the stage. People were dancing, and, well… celebrating! The tenors were highly energized and that energy was captured on film (you’ll see that on the DVD).

The shift then upped to a higher gear with the swinging "My Faith Will Carry Me", and it became apparent that Hammond had gone to another level. Many may be reminded of his Pages of Life, I and II days, but with a twist.

The dancehall-flava’d "Lord Your Grace" sent the place into a frenzy. So infectious! In the middle of the song, Hammond and crew went into the old favorite "This Is The Day". The singers mesmerized with their jaw-dropping harmonies at the end of piece.

Technical difficulties could not stop Fred Hammond, as he dug into some oldies but goodies, teasing with the chill "Not Just What You Say" before slamming into "Spirit of David". Ok, why did he do that? People were singing the song almost louder than those on stage.

Hammond sang "No Weapon" and flowed right into "Let the Praise Begin". It was great to see ex- RFC members, Joann Rosario, Danielle Stephens and Israel Houghton having a blast up front.

After everyone settled down, Hammond invited Ruben Studdard out to sing a duet with him on "Just A Closer Walk". It was quite apparent how much Hammond has influenced the former American Idol winner as they traded verses. No disappointment here! Hammond then took the song and meshed it with "Draw Nigh". Worship was all over the building.

The recording was so smooth-flowing and worshipful. A powerful version of "More, More More" was featured, and then Hammond graced the crowd with one of his best written songs, “I Am Yours". He explained that his only desire was to know that he belongs to God, and that he wanted that above any song service, any sermon or anything else. Tears flowed from eyes all over the church, and from the eyes of Fred Hammond as well.

This was a night to remember. Fred Hammond may have switched geographical location from Detroit to Dallas, but he hasn’t gone anywhere at all. The months need to speed by because people will ne - GOSPELFLAVA

Fred Hammond - Free To Worship

October 27, 2006

By Peggy Oliver

It’s been a blink of an eye (O.K. two years) since multi-tasker Fred Hammond’s last solo effort, Somethin’ ‘Bout Love, but as always, his hands have been full with side projects (The Singletons, Joann Rosario, etc.), and a geographic change to boot.

His latest Free To Worship, was recorded between The Potter’s House Church and Face-To-Face studios, both located at Hammond’s new home base, Dallas, Texas. Even though Hammond has been around for at least two decades, here is a quick peek at the Michigan native’s journey.

From his days with The Winans and Commissioned (who brought you Marvin Sapp, etc.) as bass guitarist, vocalist, etc. al., many other artists have been blessed either sharing the stage or in the studio: Ruben Studdard, Israel Houghton, and Patrick Dopson, whom many compare with Hammond’s soulful tenacity. Backing vocalists Radical For Christ also played a major role since the mid-90's.

A man of many hats, Hammond juggles his own Face-To-Face productions and record label, FHammond Music. That said, Potter’s House founder/Senior Pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes, stirs up Hammond worship approach, with shear simplicity while reaching the hurting and broken-hearted.

Hammond and company emphatically usher in His majesty with My Heart Is For You: “Let it be the sound you want to hear.” Getting down in the funk pockets, He’ll Do It reassures the Lord preplans a destination in our lives, no matter what our situation: “There’s an appointed destination I gotta’ make.”

Want excitement, just as Hammond coaxes in the intro? Lord Your Grace surrounded with wall to wall vocal passion and sophisticated horn punches, humbles us to unlimited grace in store when we fail: “Where sin abounds, grace abounds so much more” (Romans 5:15). The pace shifts to a Caribbean-flavored jam, This Is The Day, driven by percussionists Calvin Rodgers and Darius Fentress. Hammond’s arranging prowess keeps the melody intact on this popular hymn.

More Than You slows the festivities a bit, but the attitude continues in fever pitch, especially on the vamp, “Oh Lord, I’m chasing, My soul is thirsty.” For the awesome price paid on Calvary, Every Time I Think extends thanks for redemption. A greasy funk aftertaste harkening Sly & The Family Stone and bass guitarist/vocalist Larry Graham (Graham Central Station), amplifies an already “mighty good” time.

“My praise will keep me movin’ on”. Keep On Praisin’ covers us with an insurance plan preventing the enemy to distort our plans. Starting nearly with a whisper, the piercing voices can’t be contained on No Greater Love. Combining disco’s thump and Hammond’s fluid delivery, L.O.U.D. L.O.U.D. rejoices in dance and outright loudness for His unconditional love.

The remaining selections head for calmer worship places: a Hammond vocal solo, There Is No Place, Thank You (I Won’t Complain) featuring sweet adlibs from head to toe, a chance to hear Hammond’s inner thoughts on Simply Put, and the ambient overtones of And We Worship You. Not to omit a classic Hammond up lifter, a live version of Celebrate (He Lives) inspired by John 3:16.

Both old and new vocal associates accentuate the proceedings, including PamKenyon M. Donald, Charles Laster, and co-producer Bobby Sparks (Kirk Franklin, Roy Hargrove). For the live sessions, Rodgers guides the house band. For those privileged with the limited-edition DVD companion, the choir (dubbed FTW Dallas Crew) doesn’t appear as stage dressing, but stays close to Hammond, whether with subtle dance steps or otherwise, stirring up the praise atmosphere. No matter where Hammond physically resides, he clearly understands the liberty we have available in adoring Jesus, and he’s not afraid to use it. - GOSPELCITY.COM